How to Survive Your Parent’s Divorce

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Divorce can be hard when you’re a kid or a teenager. It may seem like the world is ending, and nothing will make sense. This is a guide on how to make it out(hopefully in one piece) of your parent’s divorce.

Steps

1. Know that it isn’t the end of the world. It may seem like everything is falling apart, but in reality, this is something that happens all the time. You have to take a stepback, and look at the situation from an outsiders point of view. Think of a list of reasons why this might of happen, and reasons why it shouldn’t happen. If your parent’s relationship has truly ended, the reasons why will more than likely outweigh the reasons why not. Isn’t it better to have them on friendly terms than for to be at each other’s throats? And in truth, there isn’t always necessarily a reason other than, they simply fell out of love.
2. Know that this isn’t your fault. Nothing you have done would have caused this to happen. If your parents were truly unhappy in the marriage, nothing would have stopped this. None of this was your fault, and you shouldn’t blame yourself. It’s hard at first, but you didn’t force them to make this decision. They made it themselves.
3. Talk to your parents open and honestly. Sit down with both of your parents and tell them how you feel. Explain to them why you think this is a mistake, but let them give you their reasons for why as well. Nothing is perfect, and maybe their marriage was just not working out. Tell them any concerns you have, and ask them to explain how things will be different now.
4. Do not tolerate one parent putting down the other if it upsets you. If It Upsets You: If one parent is dissing the other and it hurts you in anyway, take them aside quietly and explain to them how that makes you feel. Be respectful, but let them know that they should at least wait until you are out of the room. Remind them that you are the one caught in the middle here, so you shouldn’t have to be exposed to slander on either side.
5. Be prepared for you and your siblings to be split. Sibling Split: In some cases, you may have an older or younger sibling involved. In the event that one of you goes to live with one parent, and the other with the second, be sure to keep in contact all the time. Having someone who can relate to what you are going through, and knows exactly how you feel, can really make it easier. Try and visit them as much as possible, and don’t let the divorce drive you apart.
6. Understand that you will get through this. Always remember that you WILL get through this, and that no matter what your parents decide, you have your own life. No one can take away your feelings, and don’t let them influence you negatively. You are your own person, and you are perfect just the way you are. If your parents can’t accept you for you, then they will never understand. Either way, you, wonderful, amazing, beautiful you, will make it through this.

Tips

• Talk to friends whose parents have divorced. They may have some good advice, and can probably take your mind off of it.
• DON’T MOPE!!!!! Go out and get some fresh air, go somewhere with your friends, read a book. Whatever it takes to keep your mind off of it.
• Don’t feel as though you have to choose sides. You can decide to be neutral. You will not be forced to choose between each parent.
• Love Yourself. You are the only one like you in the entire world. How amazing is that?

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