Family breakdown is a difficult thing for children and young people to process and understand. When parents separate, children and young people might feel lots of emotions like grief, confusion, anxiety, guilt, anger or relief. Often, these feelings will clash with each other. For example, a child might feel relieved that the fighting between their parents will end, but also guilty about their parents separating or even that it is their fault. They might also feel anxious about practical changes like where they are going to sleep on what days.
It is normal for children and young people to struggle with these big changes. It can take time for things to settle and for new routines to be established.
Further support:
NSPCC - Supporting children through separation and divorce
Information from YoungMinds supporting children and young people with Divorce and Separation
Fife Gingerbread - support in Fife, including a helpline
One Parent Families Scotland - support, helpline, online chat and advice
Relationships Scotland - relationship counselling, family mediation and child contact centre services
If you feel that your child needs additional support in understanding and processing this change, you could contact your child’s school about the possibility that they could take part in a Seasons for Growth group. This is a lovely group programme that supports children and young people with understanding significant change and loss.
