Juggling Split Families

Juggling Split Families

Elias Parra (8)

According to the 2021 census, 48% to 50% middle schoolers in the United States have divorced parents.  My dad and my mom are not together anymore, and I have several friends that also don’t have their parents together anymore. This can be a challenge to manage, especially when it first happens. 

First, look on the bright side. The best thing about not having your parents together means that you get to have two Christmases, two birthdays, two Thanksgiving, etc. I mean, it’s pretty cool to get two special days and celebrate big holidays most of the time. One of my 8th grade peers mentioned that he doesn’t get two birthdays, both parents just show up to the dinner. But he also admits that it can be awkward.

There are some challenging aspects of having two families. Personally, I feel it when it comes to my sporting events. This one time I had a football game and my mom, my dad, and my stepmom showed up. It was kind of weird because as soon as my mom wanted to come to my game, my stepmom wanted to come too. My parents are not like my previously mentioned friends’, my parents have a difficult time being at the same place at the same time. It almost feels like they need a calendar for who is attending what game and when.  All too often it goes through me though. 

Another challenge can be when your parents remarry. If your parents do remarry it could be awkward or cool. Hopefully you get another parent that is there to support and love you, but sometimes the transition is not as smooth. This is something that you would need to handle very carefully. Of course, over time things settle and you get used to your new situation. 

I guess what I am trying to say is that you are not alone. Your parents are always going to love you, even in the times where you don’t feel part of their world. You aren’t the only one going through the crazy family drama. And… always look for that silver lining. Enjoy that second birthday dinner!