Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Author's Note
Introduction
One
Lisa
At fifty-six years old, Lisa's reflections on her parents' divorce from over four decades earlier offers insight on the subject of abandonment, a byproduct of her parents' divorce, which continues to affect every aspect of her life.
Two
Mickey
From the age of six, Mickey was subjected to his mother's obsession to seek vengeance against her ex-husband. As a result of her deceptive schemes, Mickey experienced long periods of separation from his father, who only wanted the best for his son.
Three
Tony
Tony was in his mid-twenties when his mother left town, leaving her husband and her family behind. Even though Tony was no longer living with his parents, his mother's abrupt departure had a huge impact on his life and continues to affect him in his role of husband and father.
Four
Ellen
Ellen was forced into the role of caretaker of the family by her parents after they divorced, resulting in feelings of anger and resentment that the young girl never acknowledged. By her freshman year of college, realizing those feelings could no longer stay buried, Ellen finally reached out for help.
Five
Brad
The eldest of three, Brad shouldered the brunt of his
parents' divorce and willingly accepted the role of caregiver to his younger brothers. With the security of his family no longer a reality, Brad felt lost and adrift in his uncertainties and loneliness with no one to turn to. His unwavering dedication for his brothers' welfare provided Brad the motivation he needed to move forward with his life.
Six
Noah
Noah was nine years old when his parents divorced and initiated shared custody of him and his younger sister. The children's living arrangements resulted in a constant state of transition and produced a lack of stability for Noah, which still affects him today.
Seven
Katniss
Katniss and her younger brother are not only children of divorce, but they also fell victim to severe neglect and abuse at the hands of their parents. Assuming the role of protector throughout their childhood years, Katniss forged an unbreakable bond between the siblings that continues today.
Eight
Chris
Chris and his sister represent the percentage of severe dysfunctionality experienced by children of divorce. The one certainty they had throughout their childhood, and the reason they both not only survived but thrived; they knew they always had each other.
Nine
Andy
Andy experienced his parent's divorce at the age of ten. In his honest, and at times raw portrait of that time, he details with humor and humility the difficulties he faced due to his mother's insistence he attend group therapy when all he really needed was the opportunity to sort out his feelings on his own.
Ten
Michelle
This chapter is narrated by Kay, Michelle's mother, as her daughter was less than a year old when she and her husband divorced. Kay discusses openly and honestly why the divorce took place. The relationship between her and Michelle's father offers a positive example of successful co-parenting, even in the most difficult situations.
The Experts Weigh In
Presented in a Q&A format, this chapter poses questions to a wide panel of counseling experts regarding the studied effects on children of divorce. The information lends guidance, support, and at times clear-cut strategies for divorced parents who find themselves and their children in the midst of navigating a myriad of unfamiliar post-divorce situations.
About the Author
