divorce

*written by young people attending counseling with Katherine

• Parents have to figure out the visit schedule and stick to it.
• No lying. Parents must be completely honest with us.
• Parents have to communicate about adult matters. No using kids as messengers.
• Know that seeing and feeling our parents’ stress makes us feel angry and sad. Talk to other adults about your stress not us.
• No saying bad things about the other parent. Remember we love and identify with you both.
• Give us extra space and love to adjust to these huge changes.
• Take time before introducing new dates and partners to us.
• Know that we are powerless about your choices and decisions so give us power and choice in other ways.
• Take time to listen to our experiences and needs.
• LGBTQ parents should remember we experience additional stress due to others not understanding our unique family identity.