Both girls and boys experience distress when their parents divorce, but they often express it in very different ways.
Girls tend to internalize their unhappiness, showing signs of depression, anxiety, or withdrawal. Some may cope through self-harm or substance use. While their pain may be less visible, it’s just as deep.
Boys, on the other hand, are more likely to externalize their emotions, expressing pain through impulsive, aggressive, or antisocial behavior. These actions can alarm teachers, classmates, and neighbors—drawing attention in ways that often lead to punishment rather than understanding.
Research shows that boys from broken homes face higher risks of school suspensions, behavioral issues, and encounters with the justice system compared to peers from intact families. Even more concerning, while girls’ emotional struggles often ease within a year or two after divorce, boys’ difficulties tend to persist much longer.
Supporting boys from broken homes requires intentional care, patience, and consistent guidance. By helping them express emotions in healthy ways and building their sense of security, we can interrupt cycles of pain and promote real healing—for them and those around them.
