Having parents who are getting divorced (the legal ending of a marriage) can be a really difficult experience. Here, Newshound Karis Harwood looks at ways to cope with a big change in your family. She rit… It’s likely there will be some big changes, you might be dealing with some new and confusing emotions and you probably have some questions. This is completely normal.
Divorce is a big life event that affects not only the couple, but their loved ones too, so it’s totally okay to feel however you do.
Divorces happen to a lot of families, so you’re definitely not alone! And while it’s a tough situation to experience, there’s still time and space for you to look after yourself and feel as good as you can. Let’s dive in:
Why are my parents divorcing?
There are lots of reasons why a couple decides to end their marriage. If you are curious and want to understand more, luna recommends speaking to your parents and asking them some non-judgemental questions Keep in mind that they might not want to discuss it, in which case you should try to accept that as best you can.
Please also make sure that you’re not blaming yourself for the divorce. When a couple decides to divorce, it’s because of issues between them and not anything to do with you. There will be a lot of factors involved and so it’s crucial you understand that it’s not your fault.
How can I feel better about the divorce?
While this can be a really difficult time, there are lots of things you can do to feel better and help others feel better too!
Acknowledge what’s happening: it can be easy to push aside thoughts and feelings of divorce, especially if you really don’t want it to happen. However, luna wants to encourage you to acknowledge and begin processing your feelings, as denying it might make you feel worse.
Communicate with your loved ones: t’s really important to communicate with your parents and express how you’re feeling. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, voice concerns or share your thoughts. This often helps you process your emotions and to feel heard. It can also give your parents deas about how to best help you and how much you understand of the process.
Try to avoid blame: try to avoid taking sides or blaming one parent, as there will be lots of factors involved in the divorce. However, it’s common to feel this way so try to process those feelings in a healthy way, such as journaling or speaking to a counsellor. Remember that both your parents Love you and want what’s best for you. It’s also important to not blame yourself – your parents divorcing is not your fault.
Be patient: divorces can take some time to work through. They can also bring up a range of different emotions so it’s important to give yourself and your family time to adjust. There are likely to be big changes so be patient with yourself as you come to terms with them be patient.
Put yourself first: sometimes, divorcing parents might pull you into their problems (often without realising it!). While it might seem scary, it’s important to have boundaries and to put your own needs first. It’s not your responsibility to be a messenger between your parents, to solve their problems or to be their only emotional support.
Divorce is a big life event that has an impact on not just the couple, but their loved ones too. luna hopes this article has helped you a bit and that you feel you can cope with the change. Please take good care of yourself and reach out for support if you feel you need it .
By Karis Harwood
