Just because you are an adult, it doesn’t mean that you are somehow insulated from the anxiety of your parents’ divorce. As an adult you can probably understand, better than a child, the reasons why people divorce. Even as an adult, however, you will likely have some of the same questions and will want to know what happened, why your parents are choosing now to divorce, and how exactly the holidays will be handled.
To minimize your anxiety as your parents divorce, we offer the following coping tips:
- Don’t get caught up in the drama of the conflict. Your parents may try to get you to take sides. Affirm that you care about both of them, but that taking sides isn’t an option for you. Work out any remaining issues with your parents in separate therapy sessions if needed.
- Don’t try to be the go-between for the settlement issues. Parents sometimes try to involve their adult child in financial and housing decisions. Let them work it out and make clear you will not assume the role of a go-between.
- Seek out a support group for adult children of divorce. If you are having particular difficulty with the divorce, seek out a support group. You’ll have a place to vent and maybe even problem solve.
- Realize that grief is normal. Your parents’ divorce is the death of a relationship for you, and you may experience the same feelings as though you were going through a divorce yourself.
- Forgive your parents. You may be angry. You may blame the divorce on one of them, but remember they are people with faults and weaknesses. Forgive them and move on. It’s okay that it will take some time.
- Keep family rituals intact as much as possible. Keeping traditions is healthy and healing for all parties.
- Spend time with each parent doing fun things. Family activities can reduce stress and strengthens bonds.
Getting Legal Help
The experienced Sacramento Family Law Attorneys at Bartholomew & Wasznicky LLP can help you navigate your divorce & family law issues with respect and compassion. Contact Bartholomew & Wasznicky LLP today for knowledgeable and respectful representation. Call us at (916) 455-5200 or email us at info@DivorceWithRespect.com.
