By Karen McNenny
The language we use to discuss divorce often carries negative connotations, such as the term “broken family.”
This phrase inaccurately implies that the family is somehow damaged or destroyed after a divorce, when in reality, it is the marriage that has ended—not the family unit.
The relationships within the family, particularly between co-parents and their children, continue to endure and evolve. By reframing our language to move away from terms like “broken,” we open up the possibility of seeing divorce as a means of restructuring or renovating the family dynamic, rather than tearing it apart.
Divorce can serve as a necessary step to alleviate pain and suffering, allowing individuals to improve their relationships in the long run, rather than staying in a bad marriage.
The goal is not to dissolve the family but to transform it in a way that better supports the well-being of all involved.
By fostering a more optimistic and constructive view of divorce, we can help families navigate this transition with greater hope and resilience, ensuring that the family remains intact and healthy, even if its form has changed.
