The 5 Stages of Grief for Children of Divorced Parents
Strength Of A Giant, Heart Of A Neighbor – Your San Antonio Law Allies
The 5 Stages of Grief for Children of Divorced Parents
On Behalf of Kevin E. Sralla | January 15, 2025 | Blog
Divorce is a significant change for everyone. For children of divorced parents, it can be an emotional rollercoaster filled with confusion, sadness, and uncertainty. As a parent, understanding what your child may be going through can help you provide the support they need during this difficult time.
At Sralla Family Law, PLLC, we know how important your children’s well-being is to you. Our family law and divorce attorney is here to guide you through the emotional challenges your family may face.
1. Denial: “This Can’t Be Happening”
Most children might refuse to believe that their parents are separating and hold onto hope that the divorce is temporary or convince themselves that everything will return to “normal.”
What You Can Do:
- Be Honest: Use age-appropriate language to explain what’s happening. Avoid giving false hope or vague explanations.
- Reassure Them: Let your child know that the divorce is not their fault and that both parents love them deeply.
- Encourage Expression: Allow them to talk about their feelings, even if they’re difficult to hear. Creating a safe space for open communication is essential.
2. Anger: “Why Is This Happening to Me?”
As the reality of the divorce sinks in, children may experience anger. This anger can be directed at either or both parents, siblings, or even themselves. They may act out or withdraw as they grapple with feelings of betrayal and frustration. Parental conflict can intensify these feelings of anger and frustration, making it even more challenging for children to cope.
What You Can Do:
- Acknowledge Their Feelings: Let them know it’s okay to feel angry and that their emotions are valid.
- Model Healthy Coping: Show them positive ways to handle anger. This includes talking, journaling, or doing physical activities.
- Avoid Negative Talk: Resist the urge to speak poorly about your co-parent, as this can intensify your child’s anger and confusion.
3. Bargaining: “Maybe If I Do This, Things Will Go Back to the Way They Were”
Bargaining is a stage where children may attempt to “fix” the situation. They may promise to act better or change their ways, believing these actions could help their parents reunite.
What You Can Do:
- Set Realistic Expectations: Help them see that the divorce is a choice made by adults and not something they can change.
- Offer Stability: Remind them that the love and support will remain constant even though their family is changing.
- Provide Consistency: Maintain routines as much as possible to give them a sense of normalcy and security. Even if only one parent is primarily involved, their support and reassurance can make a significant difference in helping the child navigate this stage.
4. Sadness: “I Miss How Things Used to Be”
Sadness is one of the most challenging stages to witness as a parent, as it deeply affects children’s lives and their emotional well-being. Children may grieve the loss of their family as they once knew it, feeling isolated or alone in their experience.
What You Can Do:
- Be Present: Spend quality time with your child and tell them it’s okay to feel sad.
- Seek Support: Encourage them to talk to a counselor or join a support group for children of divorced parents.
- Focus on Positives: While acknowledging their sadness, help them see the new opportunities and experiences this change can bring.
5. Acceptance: “It’s Going to Be Okay”
In the final stage, children begin to accept the divorce as part of their reality. They may still have moments of sadness or anger, but they start adapting to the new family dynamic.
What You Can Do:
- Celebrate Progress: Acknowledge milestones and improvements in their emotional well-being.
- Foster Connections: Encourage strong relationships with both parents and ensure they feel loved and supported. Maintaining healthy relationships with their parents can help children feel more secure and supported as they adapt to the new family dynamic.
- Keep Communication Open: Continue to check in with your child and let them know they can come to you with any concerns.
Supporting Children of Divorced Parents
Children react differently to divorce, and parents must be attuned to their child’s unique needs and feelings. Counseling or therapy can be incredibly beneficial in helping children cope. These services offer a safe space for children to express their emotions and work through their feelings with the guidance of a mental health professional. By providing a stable and supportive environment, parents can ultimately help their children thrive despite the challenges of divorce.
Let Sralla Family Law, PLLC Be Your Ally In This Time of Change
The five stages of grief are a natural part of the healing process. Understanding and supporting your child through each stage can help them emerge stronger and more resilient. Remember, you’re not just managing a legal process — you’re nurturing your family’s future.
With the strength of a giant and the heart of a neighbor, Sralla Family Law, PLLC is here to support you every step of the way. Every family’s story is unique, and we treat yours with care and respect. While some attorneys may see your case as just another divorce, we see it as a deeply personal chapter in your life.
If you’re searching for a “divorce lawyer near me,” contact us at (210) 212-5656(210) 212-5656 or complete our confidential online form. Together, we can turn this challenging time into an opportunity for growth and healing.
Copyright © 2025. Sralla Family Law, PLLC. All rights reserved.
The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Sralla Family Law, PLLC
542 E. Highland Blvd.
San Antonio, Texas 78210
(210) 212-5656(210) 212-5656
https://www.familylawsanantonio.com/
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does A Divorce Cost In San Antonio?
A divorce case can cost anywhere from $2,000.00 to $10,000.00 and up in San Antonio. This price range typically varies based on the complexity of each particular case, the extent to which the matter is contested, the aggressiveness of the family law attorneys involved, whether a jury trial is requested and many other often unpredictable factors.
Where Do I Go For A Divorce?
If you hire a family law divorce lawyer, your lawyer will file your divorce petition electronically. If you are filing your divorce without the help of a family law attorney, you can do so at the Family Law Staff Attorney’s Office at the Bexar County Courthouse, 100 Dolorosa, San Antonio, Texas 78205.
How Much Does It Cost To File For Divorce In San Antonio?
A divorce without children typically costs around $350.00, while a divorce involving children typically costs about $401.00. These costs vary from county to county.
What Is A Spouse Entitled To In A Divorce In Texas?
Either spouse is entitled to a just and right division (roughly 50%) of the community estate and, in certain extreme cases, a disproportionate share (greater than 50%) of the community estate. This includes all assets acquired during the marriage, but does not include a spouse’s separate property.
How Do I Get A Divorce With No Money?
Getting a divorce with absolutely no money is difficult but not impossible. The party seeking to file for divorce can visit the Family Law Staff Attorney’s Office at the Bexar County Courthouse to obtain a packet of information to assist in preparing and filing the paperwork for starting a divorce case. The filing fee can be waived if the filing party prepares an affidavit of indigency declaring that he or she has no money. Another alternative is to seek free legal aid or the assistance of a pro-bono lawyer.
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To learn more about what our team can do to help you, give us a call at (210) 212-5656(210) 212-5656 or use our online contact form.
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Let Sralla Family Law PLLC guide you through your divorce with the care and dedication you deserve. Contact us today at (210) 212-5656 or send us an email for an initial consultation. Our divorce attorneys in San Antonio will help you turn the page to a new chapter in your life.