Members of the transitioning single parent family often shift family roles. At first the single parent, appreciative of any help welcomes this new expression of responsibility. However, the older child soon begins to resent the added pressure and may become over bearing and over controlling. There is also a danger of children and parents reversing roles. Parents sometime turn to the children with the same adult problems they used to discuss with the other parent.
Children end up emotionally providing support for parents rather then the other way around.
The loss of the original family emotes feelings of denial, guilt, anger and blame and depression before acceptance can be reached. Communication is the essential key to resolution. Single parent families need to reestablish family traditions. One of the most enjoyable and bonding attributes of family are the special activities and rituals every family shares. When divorce in a family occurs, many established traditions are no longer possible.