The Step Children’s Cry: MY PARENTS ARE DIVORCED AND I CAN’T GET OUT!

Would You Like To Change Houses Every Week?

“Help!  My parents are divorced and I can’t get out!”

Tell me if I’m wrong, but I believe many children (step children) of divorce want to scream this mantra.  The are forced to lead a life of divorce, going back and forth between houses.  They do not have any choices.  They have to do what they are told.  They are stuck between two wardens.  No wonder that their flight or fight instinct kicks in.  (Remember that part of the brain called the Lizard or Reptilian brain.  It’s that part of your brain that controls your fear instincts.)

Here is the worst part.  The children are forced to live with people that they may or may not know well.  Ugh!  Who wants to do that?  When I remarried, I used to look at my stepchildren and silently think, “OMG, I feel so bad for them.  One or more of them may end up seeing me naked.”  Barf.

How would you like to be forced to move back and forth every week or so?  How would you like to live with a stranger?  It is one thing to know someone, quite another thing to live with them.  No matter how charming any of us may think we are, we are not charming enough to merit a live-in arrangement.

So, the next time you confront a grumpy stepkid.  Think about it.  Or, just BARF!