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The Journey: PCA Parent PodcastAuthor: Dan Panetti
An intentional and meaningful conversation for parents founded on God's Word. Language: en Genres: Education, Kids & Family, Parenting Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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The Generational Divide of Divorce | How It Impacts Children Part 2 of 2
Episode 217
Wednesday, 4 February, 2026
Guest: Dr. Steven Lytle, Founder of Sparrow House Counseling If you’d like to watch this podcast, check out the PCA YouTube page. This week we continue our conversation with Dr. Steven Lytle at Sparrow House Counseling examining the book Between Two Worlds: The Inner Lives of Children of Divorce about how divorce leaves a lasting legacy in the lives of children. Judith Wallerstein’s remarkable book The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce: The 25 Year Landmark Study talks about how children of divorce develop a “toolbelt” that helps them navigate the changing and difficult landscape of a broken home - and that toolbelt proved damaging to their own future relationships and marriage. One take-away that is helpful for parents who have divorced is that they need to work to see the divorce and new reality through the eyes of their children. Dr. Lytle talks about how damaging divorce can be on the identity of a child - especially when a parent uses a similarity that a child has with a parent as a negative in their life - example: “you act just like your dad” would generally be a positive in the life of a child…but after divorce that statement is weaponized against the ex-spouse and used against the child. Dr. Lytle reminds us that divorce always has an impact on children. The book also highlights the fact that from a child’s perspective, the divorce of their parents never goes away…while a parent may have an “ex-spouse,” children do not have “ex-parents.” Dr. Lytle notes that when couples get divorced, it is very difficult for them to truly see the impending negatives, they hope that things will turn out in the best way possible. But that is not a good strategy for dealing with the realities from a broken marriage and home. The book talks about “blended” or “bonus” families…from the kid’s perspective, these are not positives and they are offended or hurt by trying to put a positive spin on a negative situation. Parents, final word - good, biblical counseling is a wonderful tool for those looking for some additional wisdom and encouragement - don’t look back and wish you would have…go get some help now.
