Difficulty: Explorer (Level 1)
Seeing your parents split up and find new families can be stressful, especially if it feels like you are stuck in the middle. It is natural to feel sad, angry and worried.
Your parents’ relationships have changed. But their new marriages do not erase their roles as your parents. You still share your past experiences – and the chance to make more memories in the future.
Talk to your parents about your feelings. Then, find new ways to spend time together.
What do you enjoy doing with your parents? You might not do them with both parents, and you might see them less often. Still, make plans with them to continue these activities.
You can also try spending time with their new partners and families. You do not have to pretend that everything is perfect. But being polite and asking them questions can make things easier. Everyone can get to know each other over time.
If you feel worried, talk to your parents about how to make these meetings more comfortable for you. You can do an activity that you all enjoy. Or keep the meetings short until you feel better.
Your parents’ divorce might affect your self-esteem. It can feel like you are alone. But other people have experienced something similar, even if the details are different.
Family counsellors are trained to handle situations like this. Support is there, whether you confide in a friend, parent or school counsellor.
This question was answered by clinical psychologists from Shall We Talk, a mental health initiative under the Department of Health launched with the Advisory Committee on Mental Health
