my decision to re-marry
How do I help my kids deal with the emotions surrounding my decision to re-marry?
Losing a parent is a profound loss for a child, and navigating a remarriage for the surviving parent can bring up complex emotions. Here are some suggestions to help your kids cope with this transition:
Open Communication: Encourage open and honest conversations with your children about their feelings regarding your remarriage. Listen attentively to their concerns and validate their emotions.
Respect Their Pace: Understand that each child grieves differently and at their own pace. Respect their need for time to adjust to the idea of you remarrying.
Family Meetings: Consider holding family meetings where everyone can express their thoughts, ask questions, and work through any worries together.
Therapeutic Support: If needed, seek the help of a therapist or counselor who specializes in grief and family dynamics to support your children through this transition.
Include Them in the Process: Involve your kids in wedding planning decisions or discussions about blending families. This can help them feel included and valued.
Assure Them of Your Love: Reassure your children that your love for them remains unchanged and that your remarriage does not diminish the love you had for their late parent.
Create New Traditions: Establish new family traditions that incorporate elements from both past and present to help create a sense of unity and connection.
Patience and Understanding: Be patient with your children as they navigate their emotions. Understand that mixed feelings are normal and allow space for them to express themselves.
Quality Time: Spend quality time with each child individually to strengthen your bond and reassure them of your presence and support.
Seek Support for Yourself: Remember to also take care of yourself during this transition. Seek support from friends, family, or a support group to help you navigate this period of change.
Adult children can be a little more complicated than younger ones. They have lives and opinions of their own. They may or may embrace the idea but at some point you have to make the decision for yourself. You kids won’t always be there in your physical home to share your life with but a partner in marriage provides a safe haven for both of you to grow old in together.
Remember, every family is unique, and it's essential to approach this situation with understanding, compassion, and a lot of love.
Caution: Being married again won’t solve the pain you feel so don’t marry just to marry. I decided along my own journey that I would rather be single with options than married and miserable. Find the right person. Someone committed to finding and aligning with whats right, not having to be right, and together you can navigate whatever comes your way.
