What do you do when your divorced parents are fighting?

Submitted by: Arielle, 11, Canada

Hi, Arielle. Divorce is an adult concept, but it no doubt affects kids everywhere. Unfortunately, there is no perfect answer to your question, but here are a couple things I suggest. First, try as best you can not to pick sides. I know that’s hard because your mom might want you to think one way and your dad might want you to feel another, but make sure that you tell your parents that you love them both the same and that you want to stay out of their fighting. Also, make sure you’ve got a support team around you at all times by talking to other people you trust, like a best friend, a sibling or a teacher. Most of all, remember that their divorce is about their relationship with each other and not about you, even though I know it’s affecting you. If you feel like you can, ask for a family meeting and set a special date to sit down with both of your parents and talk to them about your feelings. I know it might be scary, but I bet they’re going to be so grateful to hear how you feel.