Why Children of Divorce Grow Into Broken Adults - Erica Komisar - #1081

Why Children of Divorce Grow Into Broken Adults - Erica Komisar - #1081

From Modern Wisdom by Chris Williamson

April 6, 2026 · 2h 31m · Episode 1081

About this episode

Erica Komisar discusses the long-term impacts of divorce on children and the misconceptions surrounding it.

Erica Komisar is a psychoanalyst, parenting expert, and author. Why do we assume kids will be okay after divorce? As separation becomes more common, the long-term impact on a child’s development is often overlooked. So what actually happens, and can divorce ever be done without damage? Expect to learn what most adults misunderstand about how deeply divorce affects kids, why constant parental conflict causes damage to children so deeply and what it does to a child’s stress system and brain development, why 50-50 custody might be a terrible idea for children, what the long-term psychological consequences are from a neglectful parent and much more… Timestamps: (0:00) Why is Erica’s Work So Controversial? (1:22) The Hidden Impacts of Divorce on Children (4:19) How Stress Reshapes a Child’s Brain (11:05) Is a Friendly Divorce Still Damaging? (14:22) Is 50/50 Custody Always the Right Choice? (22:13) Should Fathers Take a Step Back After Divorce? (26:18) Is There Ever a Right Time to Divorce? (30:52) How Divorce Shapes a Child’s Future (33:04) Boys vs Girls: Who Does Divorce Hit Harder? (34:57) Is Separation During Pregnancy Dangerous? (42:02) Why Children Blame Themselves for Divorce…

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Host: Chris Williamson

Guest: Erica Komisar

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