Conclusion

Adults experiencing divorce typically go through a great deal of loss and pain. This session focuses on the many aspects of a parent's life that are touched by marriage, and thus by divorce. Appreciation and compassion for all that they may be going through can be gained by realizing just how large the change is that parents are experiencing.

Divorcing parents may need ways of coping with anger and stress over the broken relationship with the other parent. Their children, who are likely also dealing with loss, grief, and anger, need them as never before; yet they cannot help them until they first figure out how to meet their own needs. Discussion on how to recognize anger and stress is presented, along with strategies for coping with these difficult emotions.

Finally, this session presents safety issues, including concerns about abuse and domestic assault, and safety planning for parents and children. Included is information on sexually transmitted diseases and how to protect themselves.

For them as an adult, and for them as a parent, divorce is a time of deep change. While it is often a time of great mourning, it can also be a time of great learning. Incorporating the tools presented in this session will help parents move through this time of transition in a safe and healthy way, toward a positive future for them and their children.

About the Parents Forever Program

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