| My Parents Are Getting Divorced | Family | My Parents Are Getting Divorced | <div class="ExternalClassC36A846E41404705AB89167D18DEDBC8"><p style="font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:"times new roman", serif;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Hi, my parents are
getting divorced and I need advice. </span> </span></p></div> | <div class="ExternalClass8899025A278C4D2183AB6A0AC6C10ED3"><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;"><span>Thank you for contacting Your Life Your Voice. You and
your parents are going through a difficult time, and it is normal to feel a
variety of feelings including anger, fear, confusion, sadness, stress, shame,
and guilt. It is important for you to understand that these feelings are
normal, but it is also important to do a reality check to make sure that the
feelings that you are having are legitimate. It is critical that you
do not let these feelings overwhelm you, and to find outlets for dealing with
these feelings. </span></p>
<span style="font-size:16px;">
</span><span style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;"><span>Unfortunately you cannot control what is going on with your parents,
so there is an element of powerlessness that you may be feeling. The
power you do have, is your response to the situation. It is very
important to take care of your physical and mental health. It is
imperative to continue talking and finding ways, even new ways to express your
feelings. Physical exercise, art, music, dance, or any other hobbies are
good. Be sure to eat regular and healthy meals, exercise often, and
get plenty of rest. You can also talk with other family members, your
school counselor, or other trusted adults about how you are feeling. It
is important that you have a support system in place to help you during this
difficult time. </span><br></p>
<span style="font-size:16px;">
</span><span style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;"><span>Although it may be difficult, try to refrain from taking
sides. It is very stressful when parents try to put the kids in the
middle of their relationship, and it is also unfair to you. Try to
establish clear boundaries with each parent that unless there is a major
health/safety issue, you will not discuss what goes on when you are with the
other parent, aside from providing basic information about your visit.
What you want to avoid is being the middle person if the relationship is
getting negative. </span><br></p>
<span style="font-size:16px;">
</span><span style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;"><span>Attached are two links that you also may find helpful about
coping with divorce: </span><br></p>
<span style="font-size:16px;">
</span><span style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;"><span><a href="/Pages/tip-coping-with-parents-divorce.aspx">http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/v2/Pages/tip-coping-with-parents-divorce.aspx</a></span></p>
<span style="font-size:16px;">
</span><span style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;"><span><a href="/Pages/tip-divorce.aspx">http://www.yourlifeyourvoice.org/v2/Pages/tip-divorce.aspx</a></span></p>
<span style="font-size:16px;">
</span><span style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;"><span>If you would like to talk more about this issue you can call the Boys Town National Hotline at
1-800-448-3000. Crisis counselors are available 24/7. T</span><span>ake care and please let us know how you are
doing. We are here for you. </span><br></p>
<span style="font-size:16px;">
</span><span style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;">
</span><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:tahoma;font-size:16px;">Nancy, counselor</span><br></p></div>
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