There’s no easy way for your parents to tell you that they are getting a divorce. My mom has had to tell me twice, the first time was when she divorced my dad, and the second time was a few years after she remarried. 

     It’s easy to look at such a dark and hard time a something devastating but that’s not the only option. There is light in every situation. 

     There are a lot of materialistic positives in divorce. You get two birthdays, holidays, allowances, vacations, and wardrobes. That means double the gifts, good food, money, and clothes. It may seem a bit selfish to be excited about those kind of things during a divorce, but focusing on only negative things is unnecessary and pointless. It’s not going to help anything. But, recognizing that there are some things that may make you happier, even if they’re small, will make you feel better. 

     When people divorce, they’re love life tends to live on. It’s scary to think that your parent might marry someone other than your other parent, but sometimes it’s for the better. Your parents go from fighting with each other non stop to being someone else who can make them genuinely happy. I’ve seen this a lot first-hand. The major difference in my mom with her ex-husband and her current husband proves it. A few years ago, when she was in a marriage that made her unhappy, she would come home from work and just go straight to her room or the dining room to go do paper work. Now, when she comes home she can put her stuff down and sit next to the man who makes her happier than ever and talk to me and her family. 

     Happier parents tend to be better parents. They aren’t as emotionally exhausted so they can actually sit and talk to their kids about things and want to listen. It’s so much easier to have better relationships with parents who are in better relationships.

     With these new step-parents, you get new step-family. I’m so grateful for the family I have, as are a lot of other people I know whose parents have split. If my parents had stayed together I wouldn’t have my three step-sisters and one step-brother. I wouldn’t have my two nephews and they’re my favorite kids in the world. I don’t know what I did before I was gifted with this amazing second family. They are incredibly supportive and let me just be me without judgement. What more could someone ask for? 

     On the other hand, every family has its ups and downs. Sometimes, you get in a fight with one of your parents and you’d rather be anywhere else but if it’s not the weekend you most likely have to stay home for the night. If you have two homes tho, you can just got to the one you’re not already at. This is so helpful and I’ve personally done it a few times while in a fight with my dad or mom. 

     There are so many good things that you can focus on in this cruddy situation. Going through divorce is like being in a dark room with a few lamps in it. You’re gonna struggle to find the light but once you do it shines bright.