PUBERTY

When parents get divorced

Adolescence is a transitional stage in your life and is considered to be the age of big changes. What happens though when on top of all these changes comes yet another one, your parents’ divorce?

The truth is that, even in Greece, which is a rather conservative society, divorces are very frequent. In 2014, there were registered three weddings for every divorce. In other words, out of three couples getting married, one gets divorced.

So, maybe your parents too have announced to you that they are getting divorced. You may feel angry or experience other negative emotions as well. Also, when parents get divorced, there are children who think it is their fault and are filled with guilt. Truth is though that a child or an adolescent is never responsible for his or her parents’ divorce. It is parents who face serious problems in their relationship that led them to such a decision.

Your parents’ divorce may bring some changes to your everyday life. Maybe you will have to change home or even area, by following either of your parents. One thing is for sure though: adaptability, i.e. one’s ability to adapt in the new circumstances of life, is one of the most important characteristics.

Your goal, however, shouldn’t just be to adapt and accept this new situation but also to try and draw, from this procedure, useful internal experience that will help you with your life journey and personal relationships.