Teens and Divorce

While kids of all ages feel the repercussions of their parents' divorce, teens can be especially susceptible to problems stemming from this event in their lives. The teenage years are critical developmental years, and a divorce can have a huge impact on teens' lives.

Studies have shown that younger kids tend to react to a divorce with confusion, a fear of abandonment, sadness, and a sense of divided loyalties. However, once a child is in adolescence, he or she may have more problems coping with feelings. A teen may believe that his or her own rebellious behavior, bad grades, or other things prompted the divorce, and feel at fault.

Because teens are typically more aware of what is going on between parents, they may feel more protective of one parent and frustrated with the person that they believe is at fault for the split. This is especially true in divorces caused by reckless behavior on behalf of one parent, like cheating.

After seeing parents divorce while they are at a crucial age in developing relationship skills, adolescents may question marriage. They may also feel monetary worries at a time when they want to buy stuff to fit in and engage in certain experiences, like concerts.

Lastly, many teens feel perceived pressure to fill the role of a parent. Sometimes, adults may praise this behavior as a sign of maturity, but teens should be allowed to be teens. While living in a single-parent household may create more chores or responsibility for a teenager, he or she still needs the time and freedom to participate in normal developmental activities, rather than being forced to grow up too fast.

Contact Us

Divorce can be a stressful time on everyone, not just teens and their parents. Sometimes, getting an experienced divorce lawyer can help make this troublesome time go by as smoothly as possible. For more information on divorce, contact the Frisco divorce lawyers at the firm of Alexander & Associates today at 972-420-6570.