Tips on How to Deal with Divorce When You Have Teenage Children
It is very important to know how to deal with your teenagers during a divorce. This is because teenagers can be extremely emotional and sensitive when it comes to divorce. They are going through hormonal changes and can sometimes become angry or resentful during a divorce. They may not always communicate what is bothering them; regardless, it is important to provide an open door policy so they do feel comfortable talking to you about anything. Furthermore, know what your teenager’s hot buttons are and try to avoid anything that sets them off during this difficult time.
Once you have taken the time to sit down and explain to your teenager that you are getting divorced, make sure you ask them if they have any questions for you. As a parent, it is important to be supportive and show that you care about their opinion. This does not mean that you need to stay in an unhappy marriage because they don’t want you to divorce. What it means is that effective communication will help ease their pain. Children want to know that their opinion matters and that they have a say in important family decisions.
If your child’s behavior takes a negative route, it is imperative to address the issue right away. The longer you wait to deal with bad behavior, the worse it may get.
If you notice a drastic change in your child’s mood or behavior, you may consider seeking professional help. Your teenager may be more open to talking to a 3rd party about their feelings and emotions rather than sharing them with you.
Furthermore, plan some fun activities with your children. Family fun time is essential during this difficult time. Plan some activities that your teenager would enjoy such as an outdoor festival, carnival, movie or a concert. Some fun and laughter will be good for the entire family.
If you are dating during your divorce, try to keep your private life private, for now. Your teenager may not be ready to hear about your latest date or the fact that you have already moved on with your life. Moreover, dating is complicated for adults. Your teenager is still a young adult and does not have the experience or emotional capacity that you have to deal with all of the emotions that get caught up in a relationship. It’s easy for children to develop attachments to others, and if it doesn’t work out with you and your dating prospect, it will only become yet another issue for your children to work through. Not only will your children be processing your divorce and how it will affect their lives and what your divorce means for them, they will now need to process the relationship they formed with your date and try to decipher and understand why they don’t come around anymore. Moreover,
Learn How to Effectively Deal with Divorce When You Have Teenage Children
You may have unanswered questions about divorce in New York, contact Sabra Divorce Law for a discovery session on dealing with divorce. Contact the office today at (646) 472-7971.
