Your divorce has been especially rough on your teenager. You can help him through the experience. Here's how.
1. Reassure them.
It's OK for your teen to be relieved, rather than upset, that his parents are breaking up, especially of they have been unhappy for a long time.
2. They're not the problem.
Help your teens understand that they weren't the cause of the break-up.
3. Don't take sides. Don't force your teen to choose sides between his mother and his father. It's not fair.
4. Cope with the stress.
If you notice that your teen is stressed -- withdrawn, eating too much or not enough, for example -- help him find ways to deal with the tension. Spend time with him. Help him exercise or take on some activity that will take his mind away from the stress.
5. Role with it.
Help your teenager understand that problems in the future are a possibility. It's part of life. Help her deal with them as they arise.
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Click here to read the entire article about the effects of divorce on teenagers.
