Children of divorce need counseling
Feb 23Dear Straight Talk: I’m 13 and my parents divorced suddenly about 18 months ago. They each moved into different houses. Nothing is like it used to be. My older brothers are mostly at my dad’s and my sister and I are mostly at my mom’s, but we rotate around and see each other a lot. I’ve gotten in a lot of trouble at school this year and have been fighting with my sister a lot. My mom wants me to see a counselor. I think it’s a waste of my time and I don’t want to go. It’s causing a fight between my mother and me. Why does she think it is so important for me to waste my time like that?—Seventh-grade boy.
Dear Seventh-grade boy: Did it ever occur to you that your mother loves you and is looking out for you? Mental disorders, in their many forms, constitute a more widespread health problem than cancer. If you had a cancerous mole would you argue with your mother about whether you should go to the doctor? If you’re smart you’ll stop fighting her over this. Mother, you, too, need to stop fighting about it. Follow your instincts and get your son the help you know he needs.
