What to Do When Your Parents Get Divorced: A Guide for Teens
Divorce is never easy even for adult children.
If you are a teenager whose parents are divorced, then you may be feeling a wealth of emotions.
These emotions can make you feel isolated.
However, one of the first things you need to know is that you are not alone.
In the United States, up to half of all marriages end in divorce. Many of these couples have children. While this is not necessarily good news, it should help you to feel less isolated. There are others who are going through exactly what you are; you can potentially find help and comfort out there to get you through this challenging time.
Here are some tips about what to do when your parents get divorced.
Get Out of the Middle
It is not your job to assist your parents with their communication. If they want to communicate, make sure that you are not the one carrying messages back and forth. This role will only serve to put you in awkward positions.
As much as possible, you should make sure that you do not take sides. Staying away from a position where you are the “go-between” is one of the best ways to do this.
It is their responsibility to learn how to communicate and create a parenting plan, not yours.
Do Not Internalize Your Feelings
Whatever turmoil you may be feeling, the worse thing you can do is keep it to yourself. Let your parents know how you are feeling.
If you are depressed, angry and sad, you need to say so, if only to remind them that you need help or additional support.
Moreover, knowing how you are feeling may be the motivation your parents need to talk to you about the divorce and make life after divorce as amicable as possible.
Talk to Friends and Family
Your close friends or other family members are often a great source of support. If you can find someone to talk to, your healing may come easier.
Resist the temptation to push people away during this difficult time. Having a support system is therapeutic, and the relationships you have built (or will build) often become the rock you can rely on as other stones appear to crumble.
Tell your friends how you are feeling. Sometimes just hearing a comforting voice is all you need to help you find relief.
Get Professional Help
Finally, if you find that you are feeling worse rather than better every day, then it may be time to seek professional help. If thoughts of self-hatred, anger, and sadness are overwhelming you then you may need help to put your life back together.
Ask for help if you need it. Getting professional help is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign that you are ready for recovery.
Final Thoughts on What to Do When Your Parents Get Divorced
It is essential for you to remember that others have traveled the road you are on and have gotten through it. This means you can too!
Do not be afraid to ask for help when you need it and to talk about your feelings with your parents, close friends, and family.
If you would like more information about how to cope with divorce, please visit our blog. If you’re the parent of a teenager that will be affected by divorce and you are not sure how to proceed, contact us today and we will guide you through these challenging times.