Lots of things are changing, so of course you’re worried.
You’re allowed to ask questions. Grown-ups should answer them.
Worry is your brain trying to protect you by thinking about everything that could go wrong. Where will I live? Will we have enough money? Will I have to change schools? Will they stop loving me too?
Most of those questions have answers, even if your parents haven’t figured them all out yet. It’s fair to ask them. You deserve to know the parts that affect you.
One thing that won’t change: parents divorce each other, not their kids.
Things that might help
- Write every worry down. Then circle the ones you can ask a parent about.
- Try the 5-4-3-2-1 trick: 5 things you can see, 4 you can feel, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, 1 you can taste.
- Do a breathing round on the Breathe page. Slow breathing tells your body it’s safe.
- Pick a "worry time" of 15 minutes. When worries show up at other times, tell them to wait.
If you want to say it out loud
Not sure how to start? You could try:
“Can you tell me what’s going to happen with where I live and school? Not knowing is making me anxious.”
You could say it to a parent, a grandparent, a teacher, a counselor, or someone on a free help line.
Things to tell yourself
- Big feelings come in waves. This one will pass.
- Right now, I only have to take the next breath.
- I am allowed to ask questions and get honest answers.