Coming from a broken home is not as bad as you might believe

If you learn to look on the bright side of life, you can take away some positives out of coming from a broken home. Here are my top 10 benefits to being raised by divorced parents.

You Learn to Communicate Better

Most people get divorced due to poor communication. Children who witness this, learn how not to communicate after hearing how their parents failed to communicate effectively. Many kids go for counselling to deal with the stress of a divorce and this gives them the ideal platform to practice their communication skills.

You Learn How to Handle New Beginnings

After the divorce, children end up living with one or the other parent. This obviously brings about lots of change in their lives. Adapting to living with one parent and visiting the other one teaches children about adapting and changing while they are young. This skill will stand them in good stead for many years to come.

You Learn when to Call it Quits

Children learn from their parents when to quit a relationship that is not working. Witnessing the improved lives after the divorce gives children the courage to walk away from poor relationships.

It Can Strengthen Relationships Between Children and Their Parents

Children grow closer to their parents after a divorce. Mom and Dad become more vulnerable and children can be there for their parents. Another useful skill to take into adulthood.

Divorce Helps Siblings to Stay Close

Siblings who come from a broken family tend to forge stronger relationships with each other. They share the same fears, pain and concerns thereby giving the children a common enemy to fight against.

You Learn that there are Gray Areas

The world is not black and white and there is nothing like a divorce to highlight this fact. Parents blame each other for the divorce and this teaches children that all is not as it seems. They understand that there are two sides to a story and there is a middle ground to every situation.

You Learn What a Good Relationship Should be Like

Divorces show the ugly side of relationships. Children who come from divorce backgrounds learn how to get it right in their own relationships. They learn about honesty, give and take and all the other necessary ingredients required for a healthy relationship.

You Learn to Accept Things that Cannot be Changed

Initially, children fight tooth and nail to keep their parents together. They don’t understand that they have nothing to do with the divorce. After the divorce has taken place, they now understand that there are certain things in life over which they have no control and they need to adapt or die.

You Learn to Deal with Vulnerability

As mentioned earlier, divorced parents often reveal their vulnerability to their children. Children take this opportunity to comfort their parents when they need it the most. Learning to deal with other people’s vulnerability is one of the greatest lessons children can learn. It’s a must for guys who want to be a hit with the ladies.

Divorce Expands your Family Overnight

After the dust has settled and Mum and Dad have created new families, children now have an extended family. More siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins and the like. This gives a greater sense of belonging.

While divorce may not be the ideal solution, there are some great takeaways that will help children to develop into emotionally healthy adults who will know how to cultivate healthy relationships of their own.

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