There is a good chance that your teen will experience a variety of emotions after learning about your divorce. It isn’t uncommon for teenagers to have trouble sleeping, experience a decrease in academic performance or become defiant in the weeks or months after their parents split. Take a look at what you might be able to do to help your son or daughter deal with their new reality.
Work hard to get along with your former spouse
Teens tend to do better after a divorce when they see their parents acting in a civil manner. Therefore, it is important that you do whatever it takes to maintain a working relationship with your child’s other parent. If necessary, an attorney may be able to help resolve any child custody disputes that arise.
Remain an active part of your teen’s life
It’s critical that your teenager knows that he or she can share positive or negative feelings with you in the aftermath of the divorce. It’s also important to spend plenty of quality time with your child after the marriage ends. Doing so can help provide some sense of normalcy during what is likely going to be a rocky time in your child’s life. Often, a divorce is a traumatic event for a teen even if the split is a relatively amicable one.
If you’re thinking about ending your marriage, it is important to do so in a way that shields your children from unnecessary stress and drama. Ideally, you will consider settling a divorce through mediation as opposed to litigation. There is generally no need for your child to be present during settlement talks.
