There is not one age where divorce is easier for kids to understand or manage. The end of your marriage and the world as your child knows it will affect them, but it will vary by age. Teenagers may be distracted and self-absorbed much of the time, but they aren’t immune to the changes in their household and parents.
Don’t Assume Your Teen Is Ignoring the Situation
Teens are heavily into the important work of forming their identity, demanding independence, and navigating complex social dynamics and romantic relationships. Teenagers, though, are in tune with the shifts in your marriage too.
At this stage of life, they have developed insight into family dynamics, shifting moods, and the weight of emotions in your household. They’re observant and perceptive even when trying to hide from you and they are fully aware of your divorce and its effects.
Look for Signs of Difficulty in Teens
Teen behavior ebbs and flows and can be chaotic at the best of times. When a divorce enters the equation, typical teen life can become more confusing and your teen’s behavior more erratic.
It’s a challenge for divorcing parents to be completely aware of what their teen is up to because of the distractions of a Michigan divorce, so it is important to be alert to signs that your teenager may be struggling.
- Risky behavior. Teens are meant to experiment, but the stress of their parents’ divorce may lead some teens to make poor choices such as skipping school or substance abuse.
- Relationship stress. Teens who observe the biggest relationship in their life breaking down may feel skeptical or fearful about committing to someone in their own lives.
- Withdrawal. There are plenty of ways for teens to pull away from their parents thanks to technology, but doom scrolling withdrawal is only one method of hiding. Emotional distance from family in favor of friends, or withdrawing entirely, is common.
Help Your Teen Through Your Michigan Divorce
Teenagers are known for being angry and resentful as a matter of course. Now, the problems could get worse because of disruptions in their life due to your divorce. There are many ways to support your teenager through your Michigan divorce to ease the transition for you all.
- Support their independence. Don’t force your teen to talk. They need space to process the changes happening in their life.
- Provide healthy outlets. Offer your child options for therapy with someone neutral who can deliver emotional support, or stress management may be more about playing a sport or exploring a hobby.
- Be empathetic. You are going through the divorce, but your child is on their own journey. Empathize without competition and let them know you’re there for them.
- Set boundaries. Teens need a structured and stable home life during your divorce, and parents need boundaries to avoid oversharing or putting your teen in uncomfortable decision-making positions about parenting time or your ex.
Kids are affected by their parents’ divorce, but it doesn’t have to be extreme. For your safety, mental health, and peace of mind, contact Michigan Divorce Help in Mt. Clemens, MI, to schedule a consultation and get your divorce in motion.
This blog post is not a substitute for legal advice.