By Brenda Rodstrom, MSW, LCSW
Whenever summer is winding down, the anticipation of a new school year begins. Kids are wondering about new teachers, new classes, and the myriad of school activities. Some of these activities will involve parents. For parents who are divorced, this can be a time loaded with difficult emotions.
As a stepfamily coach and counselor, I hear many single mom’s dread the times when they will have to be in the same space as their ex. Worse than that, they eventually have to share that space with the ex’s new wife. Here is one case scenario.
The School Play
Stephanie’s daughter Sarah is in a school play. Stephanie has been coaching Sarah on her lines. mother and daughter are very excited. However, as the night of the play approaches, Stephanie feels a knot growing in her stomach. Her ex-husband, Charles, will be there – with his new wife. She cannot bear to be in the presence of the woman who ruined her marriage. She does not plan on speaking to her. She will stay as far away from both of them as possible.
Stephanie’s feelings are understandable. It is painful to see her ex-husband with “the other woman.” But, it would be damaging to Sarah to see so much friction between her parents.
Getting Through the Night
Stephanie’s situation is similar to many that I have helped women get through. Here are a few ideas that have helped others.
- Invite a friend or relative to accompany you to school events when your ex will be there. The friend serves as a buffer and support.
- Stephanie should greet her ex-husband and his wife. They don’t have to sit together, but civility is required. Children fare best after a divorce when their parents make a real effort to form a co-parenting (or parallel parenting) relationship.
- After that difficult task, Stephanie deserves a treat! A massage the next day, a movie, or a time with friends.
Dress Rehearsal
A school event is, in effect, a dress rehearsal for much bigger events. The time you spend at this event is practice for what lies ahead: graduations, college drop-offs, weddings, and more. These events will be so much easier if you get used to being in the same space as your ex a little bit at a time.
Don’t Beat Yourself Up
It takes a long time to get over a divorce. Of course it’s hard to see the person you were married to with someone else. It will get easier over time. There are divorce support groups, single mom’s groups, and a lot of therapists and counselors who can give you the support you deserve. Remember, your well being is good for your child as well as yourself.
