Do Gray Divorces Impact Adult Children?

Going through a divorce could be a trying time for everyone, including children. Some people assume that only young children face problems when their parents break up. However, adult children can also go through much pain when their parents experience a “gray divorce.” Parents heading into a South Carolina divorce court might need to pay more attention to their adult children’s needs than they realize.

Gray divorces and the effects on older children

Gray divorce refers to a marriage breakup among older people. The marriage may dissolve even after the spouses spend many years together, and various factors contribute to the marriage’s collapse. Financial concerns, drifting apart, problems with abuse and infidelity are among the most common issues.

A gray divorce may involve child custody matters as persons over age 50 might have minor children. However, a significant number of older divorcing spouses have adult children, and even older children could suffer anguish when their parents separate.

The adult children might feel guilt, thinking they are somewhat to blame. Parents might need to take steps to keep their children from feeling this way. Believing that a child is “old enough to handle things” may be an irresponsible attitude.

Handling issues with the children

Adult children could suffer bouts of depression and anxiety when their parents divorce. Communicating with the children about their feelings might help them get through the stressful process. Delicately conveying the reasons for the divorce could provide the answers that children seek about why the breakup occurred.

Even if they understand the reasons behind their parents’ split, adult children may still feel alarmed. Some might worry about their newly single parents’ financial situation and overall safety. Living alone comes with certain risks, so children may worry about their parents.

Dramatic changes in life have their challenges. Taking steps to address adult children’s worries might help everyone get through the divorce with less stress.