How older parents divorce affects their adult children
4 hours ago
- #family-dynamics
- #grey-divorce
- #mental-health
- Grey divorce, or divorce among older adults, is increasing globally, with 36% of divorces in the US involving individuals aged 50 and older.
- Adult children of grey divorce often experience deep emotional impacts, including feelings of shock, anger, and lingering sadness, similar to younger children.
- The divorce can disrupt family dynamics, leading to a 'matrifocal tilt' where adult children often side with their mothers, weakening bonds with fathers.
- Men in grey divorces face a 'social penalty' as they lose social networks maintained by their ex-wives, while women face an 'economic penalty' due to career breaks for childcare.
- Adult children may feel caught in the middle, providing emotional or financial support to one parent, and some may reduce contact to avoid conflict.
- Grey divorce can affect adult children's own relationships, leading some to question their identity, self-esteem, or the longevity of their romantic partnerships.
- Despite challenges, some parent-child relationships can recover over time, especially if the divorce ends long-standing conflict.