It can be so hard to deal with divorced parents and the emotional baggage they carry along with them. Going through a parent's divorce can be traumatic enough, without needing to take care of each parent afterwards. The process of divorce is rarely simple, friendly, and uncomplicated - divorce dredges up all manner of resentment, fear, jealousy, and anxiety. How you handle your parents during a divorce will be a deciding factor in your own maturity and development. The wisest children of divorce understand that their parent's breakup is not about them; they know that it is between their Mom and Dad alone. A little detachment and a philosophical attitude, along with respect and love for both parents, will help you avoid the pitfalls of dealing with parents who are divorced.
• Pitfalls of dealing with divorced parents
Parents who are enduring the aftereffects of divorce may not be at their most rational, and they may use you as a pawn during relations with each other. Telling parents that you love them both equally and don't want to participate in any "games" based on the divorce can be helpful. Sometimes, parents need a reality check, and you can give them this when it is necessary. You don't have to be harsh; just be certain both parties know where you stand.
• Benefits of dealing with divorced parents
In time, parents may move on, and begin to embrace newer, happier lives without their former partners. While this process can take months or years, it does happen. Usually, a marriage that ends ceases because of irreconcilable differences between spouses. Sometimes, ending the relationship is really for the best. However, issues, such as infidelity, may leave scars that take a long time to heal - however, there is usually light at the end of the tunnel.
Be patient and kind, and help your parents get used to their new lives - be there for them, and wait for them to heal.
• Pitfalls of dealing with divorced parents
Parents who are enduring the aftereffects of divorce may not be at their most rational, and they may use you as a pawn during relations with each other. Telling parents that you love them both equally and don't want to participate in any "games" based on the divorce can be helpful. Sometimes, parents need a reality check, and you can give them this when it is necessary. You don't have to be harsh; just be certain both parties know where you stand.
• Benefits of dealing with divorced parents
In time, parents may move on, and begin to embrace newer, happier lives without their former partners. While this process can take months or years, it does happen. Usually, a marriage that ends ceases because of irreconcilable differences between spouses. Sometimes, ending the relationship is really for the best. However, issues, such as infidelity, may leave scars that take a long time to heal - however, there is usually light at the end of the tunnel.
Be patient and kind, and help your parents get used to their new lives - be there for them, and wait for them to heal.
