As an older couple in Wisconsin that is considering divorce, you may believe that your adult children are well past the age where they might be seriously affected by it. However, it has been shown that no matter how old you or your children are, divorce can have a large negative impact.
Not only that, but The Guardian has actually shown that adult children tend to face unique hurdles that younger children of divorce do not have to worry about. For example, younger children tend to bounce back from big life changes with greater ease. They have more time to adjust to their new situation and will usually adapt better. Adult children, on the other hand, have known their family as it is for decades. It can be much harder for them to acknowledge that your divorce means the family dynamic will be changing.
Another unique hurdle includes adult children being privy to things that they might not necessarily want to know about. Younger children are often protected from all of the nitty-gritty details of a divorce. This is because people do not believe that children should be exposed to these “adult matters”. Adult children, on the other hand, often have to play referee for divorcing parents or act as a shoulder for them to lean on. This can be hugely taxing both mentally and emotionally.
It is important to keep in mind the fact that divorce can and will affect anyone at any age. This does not mean that divorce is not the right option, just that it should be handled compassionately.