13 People Share What It's Like Having Divorced Parents
Start writing a post
Swoon

13 Things People With Divorced Parents Wish You Knew

No, I don't have an evil stepmom.

135
13 Things People With Divorced Parents Wish You Knew
Disney

As a child of divorce myself, I can't even count the number of times someone has asked me "what's it like to have divorced parents?" and it's exhausting, to be honest. So late one night I got to thinking, there are so many of us kids who all have our own unique stories and perspectives on divorce, why not ask some of my friends what they wanted people to know about having divorced parents?

Here is what each anonymous person with divorced parents wants you to know:

"I wish people knew the struggle of always keeping track of our stuff! I always forget things at the other parent's house." - C, 18

"I feel like I can't ever really open up about my emotions or true feelings in fear that someone I love may hurt me or I might hurt them, so I bottle up my emotions in hope that people will love me and never feel the same pain as I did. I really don't know who I am anymore, but my parents hated each other so I got put in the middle a lot and I think that is what messed me up." - A, 20

"Even if it happened a while ago it can still make me stressed sometimes. It feels like I'm in-between and sometimes I have to choose sides." - L, 14

"Divorce isn't easy as many people know, but I know that growing up I truly didn't understand why my family was being broken apart. But as you grow you start to understand more and more and you see things and how they affected you. I know I spend a lot of time wondering who I would've been if my parents stayed together but then I have to remind myself that everything happens for a reason and it's not perfect. Divorce just takes an understanding that this is what's best for everyone and that they are doing it to protect you." - V, 19

"Holidays are better this way, we get double the Christmas and twice as much for our birthdays. It's nicer to be able to pick and choose which parent you see when and to have them not fight all the time (even though sometimes they still fight, they just put you in the middle). Divorce is easier if you have siblings too I think, it's nice to have someone else who is going through the same thing with the same people." - M, 19

"I'd like people to know that it doesn't matter how old you are when it happens, it is still traumatic. I was 17/18 when my parents got divorced and it was absolutely life-changing." - B, 45

"Having divorced parents is not any easier when you're an adult, in fact it can be even more difficult because they talk to you like an adult and not a child and you get to be privy to all the issues like finances, housing, emotions, arguments, etc." - H, 19

"It's really hard no matter how old you are when they divorce. I was 23/24 and it was still a hard transition. Being put in the middle, having to decide who to spend what holiday with, all the tension, it sucked. It takes time to adjust to a new family dynamic. Divorce is like a death, it just takes time to mourn." - R, 50

"As much as seeing your parents split hurts, it can be for the best. I like my new family better this way." - B, 19

"It was harder to figure out how marriage and committed adult relationships should work since there wasn't a day-to-day role model in my life showing me what that meant. I still don't really know all that I am missing. my grandparents and most of my aunts and uncles are also divorced or on their second marriages." - H, 25

"If you are the first born, there is a lot of pressure sometimes, especially with custody. If you are older or about to be 18, there is so much tension and anxiety involved." - D, 21

"I wish my parents were still in love but I know that they are happier now which makes me happy." - C, 12

"I want people to know that we are really OK, like stop asking me about what my life is like now that I'm a victim... I'm not a victim, I went through something that was hard but everyone came out stronger on the other side. So it's OK to ask what it's like to have divorced parents, but do not assume my life is harder because of it." - S, 21

Follow Swoon on Instagram.

Report this Content
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

7913
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

940619
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

116802
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lots of people sat on the cinema wearing 3D glasses
Pinterest

Ever wonder what your friend meant when they started babbling about you taking their stapler? Or how whenever you ask your friend for a favor they respond with "As You Wish?" Are you looking for new and creative ways to insult your friends?

Well, look no further. Here is a list of 70 of the most quotable movies of all time. Here you will find answers to your questions along with a multitude of other things such as; new insults for your friends, interesting characters, fantastic story lines, and of course quotes to log into your mind for future use.

Keep Reading...Show less
New Year Resolutions

It's 2024! You drank champagne, you wore funny glasses, and you watched the ball drop as you sang the night away with your best friends and family. What comes next you may ask? Sadly you will have to return to the real world full of work and school and paying bills. "Ah! But I have my New Year's Resolutions!"- you may say. But most of them are 100% complete cliches that you won't hold on to. Here is a list of those things you hear all around the world.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments