Editorial-The Various Effects of Divorce

by: Sydney K.

We all know divorce is hard. Whether it’s your family or friends, it can still affect you. You can just think about it, about your parents splitting up. Even simply imagining it makes your heart break. There has been debate whether it’s harder for the parents, or for the kids. It’s all a matter of the situation or the people I guess. But from experience, I believe it’s harder for the kids.

The parents are the ones who have to go through the fighting, go through the divorce, watch the way it affects the kids, etc. Yes, that’s true. But the kids are the ones who have to stay in the background, listening to the conversations the parents think are private, watch their family go separate ways, and stay unheard. They feel like they can’t voice their feelings, in fear that it would only make the situation harder on everyone else, so they remain unheard. Their real opinions, their real feelings, they no longer come out. The parents in some ways can say what they feel. They are expressing their feelings through the filing of the divorce, and through the situations that causes.

In truth, it is hard for both parties to go through the divorce. All people handle it in different ways. In some situations, it is harder for the parents. Some parents choose to not fight, keep their feelings bottled in for the better of the kids, and to remain friendly with the other spouse. Others fight constantly in front of their kids, sometimes involving them which makes it more difficult on the whole family. Like I said, all situations are hard. Who really wants to see that happen to their family? No one. But it happens, and there are numbers of ways to deal with it.

If you are having trouble, and you feel like you can’t talk to your parents about it, talk to a guidance counselor. I know, you’re probably thinking “That’s dumb, I don’t need help from some teacher who doesn’t know me.” But counselors are trained to help you, and they can! They can help you get through it, and you don’t have to worry about them telling other people, or getting upset at you. They’re there to listen, and they will do so, helping you get through the situation in the process. You can also just talk to a friend about it, or anyone you trust. But don’t keep it bottled up. Talk to people about it. They can help you just by listening and showing you care. It makes a difference to be heard and know someone cares. Believe it not, it’ll be ok. I know from experience that it works out in the end for the best. So if you’re parents are fighting or going through a divorce, just hang in there. Let out what you feel, but keep calm. It’ll be ok 