Divorce can be a challenging time for anyone, especially children and teenagers. Parents of teenagers having a hard time processing these circumstances should know how they can support their older kids to get through this time and continue to thrive.
Open dialogue
Encourage open communication with your child by letting them know their voices are welcome. Tell them it is okay to express their feelings, creating a safe conversation space without judgment.
Acknowledge their emotions
Your teenager may feel anger, frustration and other feelings that, when expressed, may make you feel uncomfortable. However, it is critical that you, as a parent, provide them with an opportunity to talk about their feelings safely without being punished.
Keep their routines
Children and teenagers thrive on routines because they provide them with the stability they need, so making an effort to minimize day-to-day change can go a long way in supporting your teen.
Seek a professional for help
If you or your teenager are struggling to cope with any aspect of the divorce, contact a professional who can help. Many resources are available for families going through a divorce.
Divorce is a challenging and complex time for families, and teenagers often present unique challenges because of their ages. Supporting them by allowing them to communicate openly, speaking with them honestly and doing what you can to maintain a thriving environment can help support them during this difficult time.