I’m not sure that I would be able to “celebrate” the end of my marriage. I would view it as a sad thing no matter how I would look at it even if my ex and I were still friendly.
That being said – when MY own parents divorced after 35 years of marriage, my siblings and I threw a small family “UN-ANNIVERSARY” party for my mom to cheer her up on the first ” wedding anniversary” as single woman. Our cake topper was a bride and groom jammed upside down headfirst into the cake. As much as we made a joke of it – we simply tried to surround her with love that day and let her know that SHE was the one that still have the closeness and support of her children and grandchildren during this difficult stage in her life – even though it was NOT of her own choosing.

I’m with Andrea. I think it’s horrific and gross. A divorce is a breaking of the biggest promise you can ever make in your life. If it’s a celebration of 6 years of marriage then why are they ending it? What are they teaching their kids? That it’s ok to break your promises? That it’s ok to celebrate the tearing apart of a family? I think it’s disgusting.

I rarely comment in these arenas because of the ridiculously venomous attacks, such as the one above. I mean, really? Wow. However, I can’t resist on this particular topic. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and work a great deal with distressed couples and the children of said couples. C’mon, no one is saying that shouting and trickery are the answer. But neither is a party. Divorce is generally a very difficult and confusing time for children. In the unusual event that both parents are pleased and at peace with the decision, the children get no say and their lives are forever changed. The list of ramifications that Andrea provided is close to accurate both according to research and my own experience in the therapy profession. Divorce is devastating to children and it is a tragedy that so many are unaware of the lasting effects. Many think, oh well, I’m not happy at the moment so I’ll move on – my kids will be fine! They are better off with a happy mother! That may be true in extreme situations such as abuse and ongoing infidelity. But in more typical situations, kids benefit most from parents that make and keep commitments, model unconditional love through the good and bad (again, not to the detriment of safety), admit to imperfections, apologize when wrong and make it right, and in so doing these things…build into their children confidence, a sense of working hard for something of value, and realistic expectations for their own future relationships. If a divorce is going to occur, being amiable and shielding children from conflict is important…finding a bright spot in a dark situation is good – but a party that exalts the end of the childrens’ family unit sends a very mixed message and is contradictory to what that child is faced with…even if they seem ok in the moment. There are people that marry and divorce and mix kids in with that as if it’s nothing, and from that value system I can see why they think a party is ok. But I hear the stories behind the “brave” faces…there might be a smile and “it’s for the best!”. …but I treat the hurt, the disillusionment, the depression, anxiety, the subsequent failed relationships, the hurting children that are behind that brave cover…and I see no justification for treating divorce flippantly or sending that message to children. What a set up for failure for those sweet kiddos. Hopefully they rise above it as many kids often do…in spite of their parents…

Amanda said it best. This is going to tear those kids up. Throwing a party is almost like taunting them for suffering. It’s a selfish act of two selfish people.

I can see the point in a small adult party or dinner to celebrate a divorce or newly single life. But I don’t think it should involve the children. My parents were divorced when I was young, and I was raised by grandparents. I lived in one home year round but had holidays, etc at multiple houses. I consider myself happy successful and well adjusted. I think modeling resilience after changes we can’t control is just as important as teaching commitment. It’s sad, to me, that Andrea and others would say children from divorced homes are set up for such dismal lives. I believe it takes a village, not just a husband and wife.

I think it’s a fine idea – if that is what works FOR THEIR FAMILY. Divorce is a huge change for this family – parents and children alike. Their idea to turn it into a positive change as opposed to a horrible negative one is nice.

Also, we don’t know these people, or the inner workings of their household. The kids may be in therapy, they may have other ways of grieving and dealing with this in the privacy of their home. I WISH that my parents had gotten along well enough to be in the same room, much less been able to do something like this to ease the transition.

Somehow I think this couple may be a bit more free spirited than the majority of people who are commenting on here. That’s certainly not a bad thing. I’m sure their children are used to a less conventional lifestyle, and probably far better adjusted than the children who live in the obviously oppressed homes of the mothers who made the earlier comments here. I’ve read interviews with both Jack and Karen and they obviously have so much love for each other. The fact that they decided to split while they still do is admirable to me. Look how many people spend years resenting their spouse, bickering, and making everyone miserable. That’s the better route to take? Get a clue.