Great Questions and Important Answers for Kids
Q. How long is it going to take me to stop feeling sad about my parents’ divorce?
A. Not as long as you might think. One thing you can do is talk to your parents often, and you will feel better before you know it.
Q. How can I keep track of going back and forth from my dad’s house to my Mom’s house?
A. Ask Mom or Dad for a calendar you can keep in your room. Write “Mom” on Mom’s days and “Dad” on Dad’s days. It’s simple.
Q. If my Mom almost never calls or comes to see me, does she still love me?
A. Yes! Even when parents don’t see their children, they have a special place for them in their hearts.
Q. Will I get a divorce someday?
A. Not if you don’t want to. All grownups are different, and many stay together.
Q. Is it OK for me to have fun with my friends while Dad is feeling angry and unhappy?
A. Yes! You and your dad are different people. You should take care of yourself while your dad is solving his problems. Besides, your feeling better can help make your dad feel better too.
Q. What if I miss my Mom and I can’t call on the phone?
A. Make a list of things to say when you can call or when you can write her a letter. Planning and writing things down will help.
Q. What should I do when I have a bad dream?
A. Tell your Mom or Dad about it. Then tell yourself things are fine and you can go back to sleep. Find a favorite doll or stuffed animal and put yourself back to bed.
Q. Will both my parents leave me if one has moved away?
A. No! When one of your parents leaves, the other will take care of you.
Q. My father never calls or comes to see me. Does that mean he doesn’t love me?
A. No! It means your father has too many problems to demonstrate his love. Things may change someday.
Q. What should I do when Mom talks bad about Dad?
A. Tell her to stop! Tell her you love both your parents and it hurts you to hear her talk bad about Dad.
Q. What if Dad wants me to side with him against Mom?
A. Tell him you won’t side with him or your Mom either. Tell both your parents you love them because both are still your parents.
Q. What if Dad asks too many questions about Mom?
A. Tell him to stop! Tell him it is not your job to be “mailman” or deliver information about your Mom.
Q. What if I don’t like Mom’s or Dad’s new friends?
A. Talk to your Mom or your Dad about it. You can work with your parents to learn to like their new friends more.
Q. Will my stepparent take the place of my Mom or my Dad?
A. Never! Your new stepmother or stepfather will be another adult who cares about you, but will not replace your parent.
Q. Is it OK to love my new stepfamily?
A. Yes! You will find that you have enough love for everyone in your new family, including new brothers and sisters. Loving more people never takes away from the love you feel for your family and old friends.