In recent decades, divorce has increased dramatically in the United States; This is a common problem in this society. Approximately one million children experience parental divorce or separation each year (Shinoda, Kevin Seiji, 2001, La Mirada, p. 9). According to 2000 census data, approximately 28% of divorced or separated parents have at least one child under the age of 6 (Kim Leon Jul., 2003 p. 258). Additionally, just over half of all divorced children are under the age of 18, and approximately 40% of all children will experience parental divorce or separation before reaching adulthood (Shinoda, Kevin Seiji, 2001, La Mirada, p. Divorces strongly affect the development of children, and most of the time, problems begin right after the divorce. The experience of divorce is a common cause of juvenile delinquency among children and adolescents and can be traumatic for children and adolescents (Shinoda, Kevin Seiji, 2001, La Mirada, p. 9). Although many argue against the negative effects on children, arguing that a good divorce can have positive long-term effects, there is still plenty of other research that has strong evidence that highlights the negative effects of divorce on children and adolescence. The divorce process results in many negative impacts on children, such as problems in parent-child relationships, emotions, behavior, coping skills, and psychosocial development (Sara Eleoff, Pennsylvania, November 2003). Although it is almost impossible for parents to avoid these problems, they can still find ways to reduce the negative effects of divorce. on the other hand, if the problems are poorly managed, they can lead to major crises in children's adulthood. Experiencing divorce as a child seems likely to include...... middle of paper ...... cognitive errors and positive illusions. Child Development, Vol. 70, no. 1 (January-February 1999), pp. 231-245. Blackwell Publishing on behalf of the Society for Research in Child Development Shansky, Janet. (2002). Negative effects of divorce on the psychosocial adaptation of children and adolescents. Journal of Pastoral Counseling, Gale Group, no pages indicated Shinoda, Kevin S. (2001). Children of divorce: the impact on classroom behavior, p. 9, 17Slife, Brent. (2010). Taking sides: Conflicting views on psychological issues. 16th edition. New York: New York. P. 134, 138, 139, 142, 150. Stayley, Wanda L. (2002). After a divorce: make parents responsible… Relieve the pain. P. 1- 25No author name indicated. (2008). Relationships: What parents can do to reduce the possible negative effects of divorce. http://missourifamilies.org/quick/divorceqa/divorceqa11.htmhat