There is no question that divorces affect children. Some of the children who are slightly overlooked are young adults, though. These older children are often thought to handle divorce better, but it can still cause a major disruption in their lives.
When you decide to go through a midlife divorce, you may have a few more difficulties than if you had divorced with younger children. First, while you and your spouse should decide on custody arrangements, your children are likely old enough to say what they want you to know about their preferences.
On the other hand, if you give your children the right to choose where they want to spend holidays or who they want to live with, it could put them in a difficult position. They may not want to disappoint either parent, which would make making a decision on where to live very difficult for them.
In the case that your children are old enough not to require custody arrangements, you may still find some struggles with them. Even as adults, they may have to choose between their parents at certain points, which could cause frustration, stress and anxiety among everyone involved.
As a parent getting a divorce, remember that your child should come first no matter what age he or she is. Don’t put your child in the middle of the divorce or make him or her feel that he or she has to choose sides. Focus on being the best parent possible, and try to keep your divorce separate from your relationship with your child. Our site has more on what to do if you want to get a divorce.
