Divorce is difficult on both a couple and their children. For teenagers especially, it can be difficult to adapt to divorce-related changes. However, good teen co-parenting isn’t an impossible task. In fact, there’s a few ways you can help them adjust during this time…
Teen Co-Parenting: Help Them Out
Set boundaries
One important aspect of teen co-parenting is setting clear boundaries. Children take in a lot more information than parents think. As a result, talking to them about certain things can cause them unintentional anxiety or stress. Therefore, you have to make sure you keep your boundaries clear and strict.
Avoid talking about things related to your divorce to your teen. For starters, those kinds of matters aren’t their business. Plus, it can cause them to feel uncomfortable and impact their relationship with their other parent. Remember that it’s not your teen’s job to give you advice about these matters.
Set a good example
Your teen is going to be dealing with a lot of personal conflict while they adjust to the new changes. The things they used to know, especially in regards to family life, have been flipped on their head. As a result, a key fixture of good teen co-parenting is setting a good example.
Show your teen that you and your partner are still the good parents they know and love. The only change is that you’re no longer living together. Make sure you and your partner both do well to show your teen you still love and support them.
Don’t forget the other parent
Teen co-parenting involves both you and your ex. However, if you have main custody, then your teen might feel like they can’t or shouldn’t spend time with their other parent. It’s important to make sure you help discourage this kind of behavior and help foster a good connection.
Don’t prevent your teen from spending time with their other parent. It’s important for them to continue to develop their bond with said parent. This is especially crucial during this time in their lives, where they need some good guidance and parental relationships to keep them on the right track.
