Dear Annemarie,

First, thank you for your question and the bravery it took to ask it. I know matters of the heart especially involving the family can be really tough. It’s obvious you care very much about all parties involved and want the best for everyone while still being able to move on with your life. Not easy, I know, but definitely possible.

Without knowing all of the intricate details of your divorce, relationships, and family dynamics, I’m going to do the best I can to give you thought and ideas that may help. As a 48-year-old woman you don’t need anybody’s permission! But it always helps to have their blessings. Mostly I’m going to address the kids, their behavior and your reaction.

In your letter you said you were recently divorced. I don’t know if that means you’ve been separated for a while or if all of this is very new and anything under a year is definitely considered raw to new.

I have heard that It takes a month for every year you were with someone to get over them in a break up. Your husband and you were the ones that made this decision, and had more time to feel it through. Whereas the kids have to deal with whatever comes their way. So take into account the raw and hurt feelings the kids may have even though they may not be able to express them properly.

I would definitely talk to them, about their feelings, your feelings, and what’s important to you. I would also kindly remind them that you have feelings too, and to put themselves in your place. What would they do if they were in the same situation as you? Lay this out very calmly for them to see it clearly. Do not use any words of malice or anger. Because even in the best divorce there is always pain, and although you want to address that, you do not want to incite or exacerbate it.

Also let them know that by you moving on with your life, it will not exclude them, but will also make you a better person, and a better mom for them as time goes by.

If you find there is still a lot of hurt, or resentment, maybe counseling would be a good idea for them, and/or everyone involved.

Now, as to being mean and being disrespectful, that is absolutely unacceptable. It almost sounds as if that’s their way of bullying, or punishing you. I do know that kids are usually more difficult with their moms than their fathers, so I’m sure that’s a little of it. But the general rule is you treat others the way you want to be treated. If you are mean or disrespectful, then there is an issue that needs to be addressed. There also needs to be consequences if the behavior continues. At some point in life, we all have to put our big girl or boy pants on and do the right thing, even if we don’t like it. That’s what being an adult is, and both of your kids are close enough to adulthood to start to understand that. If they don’t, the outside world will be a rude awakening to them.