Family Changes

New. New people. New relationships. New schedule. New activities. Your family life is changing and everyone and everything seems to be new. Your family may change, but your parents still love you and will take care of you.

Having a New Family/Parents Dating

You are not replaceable. Your parents might begin to see other people who may or may not already have children of their own. Again, this will be a huge change in your life. Your parents still love you and are not trying to replace you. Try to think on the bright side: a new family means more friends and people you can talk to. With new people entering into your life, you don’t have to call them dad, mom, brother, or sister. Try to connect with your new family by doing activities with them such as going to the pool, the park, or even staying home and playing board games. Create boundaries with the new people entering into your life; you don’t have to love them, but try to respect them. 

Financials

As you and your parents adjust to this new life of divorce, finances might change. Your parents may not be able to rely on two sources of income. Your parents might have to focus on buying a house, car, or other necessities. This could mean that you might not get to do certain activities or get certain gifts like you might have before. However, you should not worry about your parents’ financial state; your parents will ensure that all of your necessities have been met. Both of your parents will still take financial responsibility for your well-being, even if it may not be obvious.

Women sitting next t a pile of books thinking about money

Holidays

Family around a thanksgiving dinner with the main course a turkey

Now that your parents are no longer together, holidays and breaks might change.  Your parents will have to figure out a schedule for those events, this might mean every other year you spend certain holidays and breaks staying with different parents and families.  This might also mean that you will celebrate holidays and have breaks with new family members that your parents are seeing.  Take these events as a chance to connect with them!  If you have strong feelings about spending a certain holiday with a certain parent or family, communicate that desire in advance so you and your parents can talk and see if what you want is possible. Remember holidays are about enjoying the moments.