Nodding, she took her backpack and headed toward her room. She called, “Mom, do we have to go to church today? We go every week.” I sat down beside her on her bed. “Yes, we do. We’ve talked about this before.”

“Dad says when I’m older, I don’t have to go if I don’t want to.” Pausing, I forced myself to sound calm. “Paige, we go to church because we want to worship and know the Lord better and be with other Christians.” She laid her head on her arms.

“What is it, honey?” I asked, stroking her curly hair.

“It’s so hard having two families,” she said, through tears. “I go back and forth between houses. You and I do stuff together, but Dad and I don’t. We go to church, but he and Tiffany don’t even believe in God. I feel like a Ping-Pong ball, and nobody understands!”

Wiping her tears away, I said, “I know it’s hard living in two homes—I’m sorry. I know it hurts that Daddy doesn’t believe in God anymore, but God does exist, and He knows what you’re feeling. He’s with you always, even when I can’t be. I love you so much, and God loves you even more.”

Kids of divorce have it tough. Being shuttled between parents is hard, and stepparents and stepsiblings complicate matters. Different parenting standards and expectations can be confusing and difficult. Allow them to voice frustration and pain, and listen. Offer advice when you can, and pray for and with them regularly.