How Can I Help My Adult Children Cope With My Gray Divorce?

 Posted on July 10, 2024 in Divorce

Divorce is known to deeply affect children. Parents who get divorced are often advised to enroll their kids in family counseling to help them deal with such a life-changing event. Research shows that children sometimes go through behavioral changes and perform differently at school when their parents decide to end their marriage.

Less research has been done, however, on how divorce affects adult children. When parents who are over 50 get divorced, their adult children are usually expected to deal with it on their own. Adult children are also not as major a factor in their parents’ divorce as minor children are. There are no child custody or child support disputes over adult kids.

This article will discuss a few ways you can help your adult children cope if you are going through a gray divorce. To find out more, consult an Illinois gray divorce attorney who can provide you with appropriate resources.

What Effects Do Gray Divorces Have on Adult Children?

There are certain ways a divorce can affect adult children differently than minor children. For example:

• A gray divorce can cause a form of role reversal between the parents and children. As the parents struggle with the emotional strain that often accompanies the end of a marriage, their adult children may try to comfort them and care for them.

• Adult children whose parents get divorced may develop fears of instability within their own families. They may also feel a stronger need to ensure stability for their spouses and children. While this can lead to positive action, it is important to make sure it does not foster anxiety.

• Adults whose parents are going through a gray divorce are likely to develop concerns about their own marriages and relationships. Seeing their parents’ marriage break down may lead them to wonder whether it will happen to them as well.

How Can I Help My Adult Children Cope With My Gray Divorce?

Another difference between minor and adult children of divorced parents is that adult children are better equipped to process their feelings and express themselves. However, they are busy with their own lives and may also be focused on caring for you. Help your children cope by encouraging them to make time to talk. Gently prod them to open up about how your divorce is affecting them. Listen closely and offer validation.

Contact a Kane County, IL Gray Divorce Attorney

Not much attention is given to how adult children will feel when their parents decide to get divorced. But if you are considering dissolving your marriage, this may be a good time to start thinking about it. At Divorce Over 50 - Goostree Law Group, we are experienced enough in gray divorces to know how adult children may react. Let us guide you through your divorce and connect you with great resources that can help your children get through this period as smoothly as possible. Call 630-634-5050 to schedule a free consultation with a Wheaton, IL gray divorce attorney today.