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Marriage, Children and Divorce: When "le music" stops
from: Marshall Colt, Ph.D.It can happen in many ways. Sometimes, suddenly, out of the
blue, with no warning whatsoever. Other times, the music slowly,
gradually, fades to a deafening silence.
Divorce is the great plague on American families today. More
than 40% of adults under 40 are children of divorced parents.
The U.S. now has the highest divorce rate (roughly 44%) of the
Western nations, though it's slightly declining. Avoiding it,
preparing for it and dealing with the consequences of when the
music stops involve millions of us every day.
Here in France, where the "use" of a lover is accepted and
frequent, the current divorce rate is 39%, having more than
tripled since 1970. The trend is alarming. Even the French find
their own institution of marriage "moins formidable" than before.
Sitting in this near-empty café, I'm struck how the odds those
lovers smooching on the Seine might marry, but then divorce, has
shot up like my blood pressure now, thanks to my
less-than-attentive waiter. Infidelity, financial strains,
sexual problems, parenting differences, poor anger management,
career incompatibility and, of course, the catch-all
"irreconcilable differences," cause marriages to dissolve and
families to suffer.
Perhaps the pain becomes too great. Or the notion things are
hopeless and won't change, or it will take too long and be too
much work cause couples to pull the plug, give up. Hopelessness
is a powerful force, robbing us of energy and initiative.
Of course, the stressful consequences of divorce can be
devastating emotionally, financially and on any children. How
parents inform their children and negotiate future parenting
responsibilities affect how children will react to the news.
It's best to tell your children together, simply, honestly and
directly. Don't go into detail about why or bash your spouse.
It's okay to reveal your sadness, while allowing them to also
show their feelings. If you're separating and not sure about
divorce, don't make predictions or promises you can't keep. Try
to keep things as consistent as possible.
Let your children know they're not responsible, that nothing
they've done is causing the separation, and they can't do
anything to make you get back together. Do not use your children
as communication go-betweens. Assure them you both love them and
will continue to take care of them.
Most people entering marriage expect it to last. Success worth
having is worth fighting for...through both the exhilarating
highs and mind-numbing lows.
Barring physical abuse, couples can repair and improve their
marriages. I've seen 'em do it countless times in San Diego marriage
counseling. Sometimes it's quicker and easier than expected.
Sometimes it takes time.
Well, the music between my now-empty café waiter and me has
dropped to one decibel. Clearly, he has more important things to
do than attend to beaucoup-euros-paying little ol' me. I
consider divorcing him (C'est la vie, c'est la guerre), but
decide to give it another shot. Monsieur!...pardon, monsieur!
Okay, I've had enough. The music's died. I'm leaving. Hey, bud,
Happy Bastille Day! Wait! Mon Dieu, he's coming over! I hear
music.
Before you bid adieu to your duet, consider the assistance of an
experienced, well-regarded marriage counselor.
For more information: http://www.advance-counseling.com/
About the author:
Dr. Marshall Colt is Executive Director of Advance Counseling,
LLC in San Diego, serving clients since 1994. Licensed in
California, Colorado and Florida, Dr. Colt has been in private
practice for over 11 years, working with a variety of people
dealing with the challenges of adolescence and adult life. See:
http://www.advance-counseling./com
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