Divorce of older parents still tough on the kids | St. Louis Family Law ...

For residents of St. Louis and other cities in America, divorce among people age 60 and older is now fairly common. People who have raised their children, enjoyed successful careers and have financial security often look at the person they will spend the rest of their life with and decide they would be happier without that person.

We often hear advice about how to cope with our own divorce. But what happens when your own parents decide to divorce? Even if you are a grown adult with children of your own, the fact that your own parents are divorcing is still a shock. Here are tips on surviving your parents' divorce:

• Tell your parents what you are thinking when you see them. Don't save it for emotional times, such as a family holiday.
• Support your parents. Help them move to a new home and decorate it. Listen as they talk about family but let them know you won't take sides or allow one parents to criticize the other. Understand they will meet new friends and welcome them.
• Listen supportively, no matter how upset you might be. Your understanding will help them get through a difficult time.
• Don't take sides. Even though divorces usually are friendlier when the couple is older, don't choose one over the other or place blame on one for the divorce. While you might think you know what led to their decision to divorce, your assumptions aren't always correct. Maintain a good relationship with each parent and let them know that is what you intend to do.
• Don't be surprised to learn either parent has a new mate. Don't condemn a parent for moving on and perhaps engaging in a physical relationship.
• Remember that their divorce is not because of you. They are ending their relationship with each other, not you.

Divorce is not easy at any age, but adult children of divorcing parents can get through it with their relationships with each parent intact.

Source: Huffington Post, "I'm Forty Years Old And My Parents Are Divorcing!" Kristen Houghton, July 5, 2012

Source: http://www.stlouisfamilylawyersblog.com/2012/07/divorce-of-older-parents-still-tough-on-the-kids.shtml

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