What happens when your parents divorce after decades of marriage—and you’re already an adult?

In this episode, we sit down with sociologist Dr. Joleen Greenwood to explore the often-overlooked experience of adult children navigating Grey divorce.

Many parents assume waiting until their children are grown protects them from the impact of divorce. But research, and lived experience, suggests otherwise.

Adult children may still experience grief, anger, and confusion when the family structure they’ve known for decades suddenly shifts. They may also find themselves caught between parents, navigating new family dynamics, divided holidays, and the emotional pressure of taking sides.

Greenwood shares insights from her research with adult children of divorce and explains why the biggest misconception about gray divorce is that adult children are “old enough to be fine.”

They’re not immune to the impact, they’re just often expected to manage it alone.

The conversation explores:

• Why adult children can feel caught in the middle

• How parental divorce can shape views on commitment and relationships

• Why communication and boundaries matter—even when children are grown

• How family relationships can evolve and heal over time

Divorce may happen between two people—but it reshapes an entire family.

Read the full BBC Article here.