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Helping teenagers cope with divorce in Tennessee

| Nov 5, 2012 | Divorce

Many people in Clarksville, Tennessee, know that divorce is never easy. Parents who are divorcing may have some trouble dealing with legal issues like child custody and property division. Even though a parent tries to do what’s best for the children, it’s sometimes difficult to know exactly what the best thing is.

Often, divorced parents assume that the younger children need more attention to help them cope with divorce. This leads some to think that their teenage children are independent enough to understand divorce. Unfortunately, teenagers may require more help than younger children. Teenagers with divorced parents often conceal their true emotions and channel them into other activities. The impact of divorce on teenagers may lead to behavioral issues, such as aggression or isolation. Divorce may also affect their academic performance and may potentially lead to drug or alcohol abuse.

All hope is not lost, however. Divorced parents can help their teenagers cope with the challenges of divorce by spending time with them during meals, school activities and family time. Divorced parents should try to keep their old routines, to show children that their family is still a loving and caring unit. In addition, parents should listen to their children and encourage the teenagers to express how they really feel.

Parents who have gone through a divorce should be sure to create positive experiences in their teenager’s lives. Divorce can be a very troubling thing, and it’s important that teenagers build enjoyable post-divorce memories to help jump start a new life moving forward.

When arranging for their child’s future, parents should try to work together to plan effective custody and visitation for their children. Because parents are concerned about the welfare of their child, shared parenting time and an effective visitation plan will be to everyone’s advantage. After the separation is complete, parents should also communicate with each other in order to ensure that both parents are making decisions that are in the best interests of the child.

Source: The Huffington Post, “4 steps to help your teen survive your divorce,” Rosalind Sedacca, Oct. 29, 2012

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