Divorce is confusing. Even grown-ups get confused by it.
You can ask "what’s going on?" as many times as you need.
Sometimes parents explain things badly, or not at all, because they’re stressed or think they’re protecting you. That can leave you filling in the gaps with guesses, which is usually worse than the truth.
You might also be confused about your own feelings, like feeling sad and relieved on the same day. Mixed feelings are completely normal.
The What’s happening page explains the basics: what divorce and separation actually mean, and what usually changes and what doesn’t.
Things that might help
- Write down three questions you want answered, and pick a calm moment to ask one.
- Read the What’s happening page, then ask a parent which parts are true for your family.
- Talk to a school counselor. Explaining confusing stuff is literally their job.
If you want to say it out loud
Not sure how to start? You could try:
“I don’t really understand what’s going on. Can you explain it to me?”
You could say it to a parent, a grandparent, a teacher, a counselor, or someone on a free help line.
Things to tell yourself
- All of my feelings are allowed, even the messy ones.
- My family is changing. I am still me.
- Home can be two places. Both can be mine.