A recent study from my alma mater, the University of Florida, revealed that major childhood stresses—like divorce, exposure to substance abuse, and economic hardship—have an almost immediate negative impact on a child’s health.  So, what can you do? First, protect your child from the stress of divorce. Sometimes divorce is beyond the control of a spouse. However, there are times when couples all too quickly buy into the myth that “we fight a lot, so the children will be better off if we just split up.” Arguing isn’t ideal, but divorce can be worse. Second, protect your child from the impact of substance abuse.  You can hide that abuse from some, but not from your kids. So get help before it hurts. For more on this topic on my blog go to MarkMerrill.com.