Dealing With Divorce, Step-Parents and Step-Siblings / Question
Published: October 27, 2004
Dear TeenHealthFX,
My parents are fighting and getting a divorce and I'm not allowed to see my dad. He misses me like crazy but I can't say I feel the same. He wants me to come visit him even though I'm not allowed. I don't want to hurt him but I don't know what to do!
Signed: Parents Divorcing, Dad Wants To See Me - What Do I Do?
Dear Parents Divorcing, Dad Wants To See Me - What Do I Do?,
You do not say why you are not allowed to see him or why you do not miss him as much as he misses you, which makes it hard for FX to give you our thoughts on the situation. You are in a tough situation - having your parents divorce is never easy, even if they have been fighting a lot. It would be a good idea for you to talk to someone outside of the family, like a counselor, who could help you deal with the situation.
TeenHealthFX recommends that you ask your mom if she can schedule an appointment with a counselor to help you deal with your parents' divorce. If she is not willing, you can talk to someone at your school - the counselor or a teacher you trust. If you have a religious affiliation, you can also talk to your religious leader about what is going on.
If you live in our area, northern New Jersey, you can call the ACCESS Center at Atlantic Behavioral Health at 888.247.1400 to find a counselor. Outside of this area log onto the SAMSHA website for referrals and information.
We also found two sites that will give you more information about divorce and kids: Divorce Kids - A Child's Perspective and A Kid's Guide to Divorce.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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