Dealing With Divorce, Step-Parents and Step-Siblings / Question
Published: July 25, 2007
Dear TeenHealthFX,
Is it my fault that my parents divorced?
Signed: Is It My Fault My Parents Divorced?
Dear Is It My Fault My Parents Divorced?,
TeenHealthFX understands that it is very easy for children and teenagers to take on the blame for their parents’ decision to separate or divorce. However, it is very important for kids to remember that they are not at fault if their parents decide to end their marriage. Even if kids are hoping their parents will divorce, or deliberately act out in the hopes it will drive their parents apart, parents are the ones ultimately responsible for how they deal with any stressors that they face in the relationship and how they want to deal with each other.
If you feel comfortable talking with either or both of your parents about this, FX recommends that you let them know that you are feeling at blame for their divorce. Hopefully your parents will be able to discuss this with you and reassure you that their divorce resulted from unresolved issue(s) between them, and that it was not your fault.
When parents do divorce, even in the most amicable scenarios, it can still be stressful for everyone in the family to some degree. If you find you are having trouble coping with their marriage ending, or you continue to personalize it and take on the blame, FX recommends that you consider talking to a trusted adult about your concerns and feelings regarding this matter.
If you live in northern
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Compared with other age groups, teens have the lowest rate of seat belt use, and male high school students are more likely than female students to rarely or never wear seat belts.
