14 Things Kids From Divorced Families Know To Be True | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

14 Things Kids From Divorced Families Know To Be True

Because let's be honest, it's not a cakewalk.

61
14 Things Kids From Divorced Families Know To Be True
The Parent Trap

In a country where nearly 50% of marriages end in divorce, it's not uncommon to find friends who rotate homes every couple of days. My parents divorced when I was 15, and it's definitely been a bumpy road. Even after three years, it still takes some getting used to. My siblings and I have endured every number on this list, as I'm sure thousands of other kids have too. And if you haven't, well, here's a glimpse into the life.

So here it goes. Let's talk about the D word.

1. Packing every weekend to switch houses -- which is a pain in the a**.

Because honestly, how are you supposed to know what outfits you are going to want to wear and what your plans are and what the weather is going to do and if you are feeling lazy or cute or athletic or fashionable!?! You probably end up packing either wayyy too much or wayyy too little.

2. Knowing the sadness of only being able to be with one parent on holidays.

Serving as the communicator between your mom and dad is exhausting, especially if they passive aggressively try to make you pick sides! You love them equally! Why can't they talk it out themselves instead of relaying messages through you?

3. When your parent brings home their first boyfriend/girlfriend... and witnessing their PDA.

It's not the fact that it isn't your dad with your mom or because you don't want them to be happy - it's the fact that you just don't want to see this. You don't want to even think about your parents' sex lives.

4. Milestone events are just bound to be awkward.

Graduations, first communions, award ceremonies...basically any event where both parents and their extended families are present in the same building at the same time. You can literally feel the uncomfortableness as the two groups either a) desperately avoid each other or b) force themselves to make small talk about the weather.

5. Letting your mom and dad pamper the sh** out of you in an attempt to be the "cool, favorite parent".

You probably experience this right off the bat when the divorce is fresh since they're feeling guilty. It's a high stakes battle to decide who's getting taken care of when they get older.

6. Becoming closer with your siblings.

Honestly, divorce brought me and my siblings together more than anything else. You support each other in the wake of everything and you constantly have someone to talk to who is in the exact same situation. (Oh, but don't forget, they're still annoying)

7. Weddings.

Are you supposed to call your mom's new husband your stepdad? Is that weird? Is your dad going to be jealous? How are you supposed to remember all of the new extended family's names? Should you be happy or sad? Why isn't there a rule book for this!

8. Going to one parent and asking for money, and then going to the other and asking for more.

Hey, you gotta work the system when you can! No shame. Honestly, how would they ever find out? (for my mom and dad who are reading this article, of course I never do this.......)

9. Having two of everything -- and having to keep track of both...

One year, I got two fit bits for Christmas (one from my mom, one from my dad) and just didn't tell the other parent. It's happened on birthdays more times than I can count, but hey, on the bright side you've got a backup if you're prone to losing things.

10. Being forced to go to the "divorced kids" club in elementary school even though you really don't want to.

Talking about feelings with your guidance counselor in front of your other classmates doesn't exactly sound appealing to a fourth grader...no thank you.

11. Breaking news to your family is always a struggle -- because who do you tell first?

Whichever parent you tell second is naturally going to feel slighted. You can't win in this situation! It's times like these where I go back and forth so much that I just decide not to tell anyone and let them find out on their own.

12. Feeling jealous about families with lit group chats.

All we have is a sad, indirect email chain that only gets used to plan kid handoffs.

13. Having to explain to your younger siblings that Mom and Dad aren't getting back together.

This is probably one of the more heartbreaking moments in your relationship with your seven-year-old sister who just doesn't quite understand everything yet. Because how do you tell a first grader that Mom and Dad still love you, but not each other?

14. And in the end, realizing that even though it sucks, you're still a family and everything's going to be just fine.

Cliché, I know, but it really is true (most of the time).

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

185506
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

11750
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

455608
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25177
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments