A school-age child hopes that his parents will remarry after their divorce. What should the nurse practitioner tell the parents?

A school-age child hopes that his parents will remarry after their divorce. What should the nurse practitioner tell the parents?

• A. If one of you remarries, he is more likely to understand that this is permanent.
• B. This is a normal response and is an expression of hope that things will be OK.
• C. You will need to help him accept the reality of the permanence of the divorce.
• D. Your child is most likely blaming himself for your separation and divorce.

Answer: (C)

A school-age child understands that some changes are final, even while he may still hope for a different outcome. When a child expresses hope that his parents will remarry, the nurse should guide the parents to validate his feelings but clearly communicate that the divorce is permanent and not likely to be reversed. This helps him adjust by replacing magical thinking with realistic expectations, which reduces ongoing anxiety and confusion. Explain in simple, age-appropriate terms that while both parents love him, they will not become a couple again. Keep messages consistent and avoid putting the child in the middle of adult issues. Maintain predictable routines, encourage open expression of feelings, and reassure him that the separation isn’t his fault. Support his coping by offering continued stability and ongoing support from both parents as he navigates the new family structure.

A school-age child understands that some changes are final, even while he may still hope for a different outcome. When a child expresses hope that his parents will remarry, the nurse should guide the parents to validate his feelings but clearly communicate that the divorce is permanent and not likely to be reversed. This helps him adjust by replacing magical thinking with realistic expectations, which reduces ongoing anxiety and confusion.

Explain in simple, age-appropriate terms that while both parents love him, they will not become a couple again. Keep messages consistent and avoid putting the child in the middle of adult issues. Maintain predictable routines, encourage open expression of feelings, and reassure him that the separation isn’t his fault. Support his coping by offering continued stability and ongoing support from both parents as he navigates the new family structure.