Kids and Divorce Does divorce hurt kids? People sometimes say, “Don’t worry. Kids are resilient.” It is true that some do seem to breeze through the break-up of a family, but others struggle for a lifetime. I recently learned a lesson from my ring finger. First, I need to tell you I have been married after 42 years. If you are divorced, I have not walked in your shoes, but I am not judging you either. I know things happen. Lots of things happen that cause a happily ever after marriage to end in divorce. The purpose of this blog is not to judge those who find themselves divorced. It is to ask you to take a close look at the thoughts and feelings of your children and teens.
For 22 years, I have counseled children and coordinated support groups for children who have experienced a divorce or the death of a parent. Some of these children are adults now and they are doing well in their lives. Others still struggle. The same is true for children from intact marriages. Yet, everything that happens in the lives of children has an impact.
Learning from Loss Recently something happened to me that illustrates an important point about the effects of loss on a child – adults, too. About four years ago, I lost the diamond in my engagement ring. I think it happened at Wal-mart, but I didn’t notice it until later in the day. Finding a diamond hours later on Saturday at Wal-mart, well, let’s just say, “No way!” I grieved over the loss and what it symbolized.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I noticed a prong on my new ring was loose, so as soon as possible, I took it to the jewelry store for repair. I felt undressed without it. Then I looked at my empty ring finger and felt shocked to see the indentation left by the ring. I looked again a few days later and it was still there, so I called the jewelry store and told them I wanted the ring resized to fit my “older” finger.
Help Children Heal That reminded me about loss. Whether it is from divorce, loss, or even moving to a new place, it does leave a mark on children. The more they talk about it, the easier it will be. But they may not want to talk to you, because they don’t want to hurt your feelings. They need an outlet and they need to know that God is always there for them. Growing Seasons groups can help. If your church, school, or organization does not have a program to help grieving children, tell them about Growing Seasons: Helping Children Heal from Divorce and Other Losses. You can follow the link and read the curricula online:
http://store.livingfree.org/Growing-Seasons-Coordinators-Guide_p_162.html
If you would like more information, email GrowingSeasons@aol.com.
You are so right Jean, children are left with scars and they do need to talk to a caring person and work through their feelings.
LikeLike
I know it can make a difference when children have a chance to express their feelings to someone they trust. They often don’t want to tell their parents, because they don’t want to hurt their feelings or get in trouble.
LikeLike
Very good post.
LikeLike
Thank you. I like your website and plan to read more of your posts.
LikeLike
Thank you so much.. Blessings to you.
LikeLike
I think this is among the most important information for me.
And i’m glad reading your article. But wanna remark on some general
things, The website style is wonderful, the articles is really nice :
D. Good job, cheers
LikeLike