You may assume that a divorce wouldn’t have much of an effect on an older child. However, even adults can feel anxious, nervous or sad after learning their parents are no longer together. This may be especially true if the matter can’t be resolved outside of a California courtroom.
Adult children still need parental support
Even as your children age, they still look to their parents for support and guidance. For instance, if your children have children, they will likely come to your for advice about how to overcome the various challenges of raising them. Getting a divorce could mean you are more worried about yourself and your struggles and don’t have time to be there for your kids.
Hurt feelings can manifest in many ways
If your divorce was a tough one, you may harbor resentment toward your partner. This resentment may cause you to avoid family events out of spite, which could mean that you miss out on time with your children and grandchildren. While you may think that avoiding your former spouse is an effective way to spare everyone’s feelings, the truth is that your actions could be causing more harm than good.
You don’t need to cut others out
Regardless of how old you or your kids are, it’s important to remember that your spouse is the only person you are divorcing. Therefore, you can still enjoy a relationship with your kids regardless of what your former partner thinks. It’s also important to remember that your kids have no control over your decisions, so you shouldn’t make them suffer for your choices.
A divorce may result in a number of emotions such as grief, anxiety or depression. However, it may also cause excitement or relief as you now have the opportunity to pursue your dreams unencumbered by your spouse. Regardless of your feelings, it is a good idea to communicate with your children and take other steps to ensure they remain in your life.