Parents Divorce |
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One out of two marriages ends in divorce, a startling but true fact of life in the United States today. Today men and women have fewer concrete criteria by which to measure a prospective spouse. The fact that a man makes a good living is no longer a sign that he will make a good husband. What about a man's interest in having children? What about a woman's eagerness to work and contribute to the family's income as a sign of her devotion? Rules of a solid relationship can be made only in general terms.
Today's couples have to depend more than ever on their own feelings. Married couples need to share their inner-most thoughts, their problems and burdens, and to be compatible companions. How do they go about doing this? By trial and error, by feeling their own way, making mistakes, and learning to tolerate both being hurt and hurting. They need to talk over grievances, to be reasonable in the heat of anger, and to be forgiving and understanding in the many disappointments of life.
If couples are going to marry for love, they need to be sure they can reverse the situation if they later find that they have made a mistake.
What are a couple’s expectations of marriage? What does each partner want and expect from the other and the marriage vows? Discuss your expectations before you marry. Don’t find out after it is too late.
What kind of marriage do your parents have? What kind is most likely to end? Let’s look at seven types of marriage.
Whatever kind of marriage your parents have or had, any of of them can fail at any time. What is the best way to live through your parents' divorce? It is vital for the children to understand the emotional climate of life in divorce.
If old enough, the children should discuss certain matters with their parents as they divorce: Who has custody rights? What are the visitation rights? Who keeps the house? What about financial support? What about health care? These and other important questions should be discussed with both parents.
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