Divorce is hard. Full stop. It is hard on adults, hard on kids, and hard on families who are trying to redefine what “normal” looks like. Even when divorce is the healthiest option, it can feel like standing in the middle of an emotional storm while trying to be a steady anchor for your child. If you are wondering how to support your child when you are still sorting through your own grief, anger, or exhaustion, you are not alone.

When we think of “family,” we often imagine unconditional love, safety, and support. But for many, family is also the source of emotional distress, manipulation, and lasting psychological wounds. So what happens when the people who are supposed to love you unconditionally consistently harm you? The idea of cutting off family can feel extreme — even taboo — but sometimes, it’s the healthiest path forward.

While the holiday season is often associated with joy and celebration, it can also bring up various stressors. Some of these stressors are unique to this time of year, while others may exacerbate existing mental health concerns.