Adolescents aren’t necessarily better equipped to deal with divorce because of their age. Anger and uncertainty are normal reactions for these kids, although they may be more adept at hiding these feelings.
• Adolescents are learning to separate from the family as a unit and their growth toward independence, and divorce poses additional conflicts for them in this area. Others take the opportunity to slip between the cracks and separate all too effectively from the family, avoiding any parental discipline.
• If a household is tense and family fights are frequent, a teen’s basic reaction might be to simply escape. Escape can take many forms, including detachment, drug use, leaving school, and even choosing an unwanted pregnancy in order to feel needed and loved.
• You’ll find that teens are usually upset and embarrassed with their parents’ sexual needs. It’s also difficult for them to deal with their parents’ sexuality while in the process of learning about their own.
• Don’t forego setting reasonable limits and curfews for a teen. Many teens need more structure, rather than less during this time of turmoil. Excuse verbal attacks you will have to tolerate, but be cautious about giving in too much.
Vicki Lansky’s practical, common sense approach to parenting is familiar to millions throughout the world. Vicki’s first book, Feed Me, I’m Yours, published in 1974, and still one of the most popular baby/toddler food cookbooks in the country, was followed by The Taming of the C.A.N.D.Y. Monster, a #1 New York Times bestseller. Her other titles include: Toilet Training, Birthday Parties Best Party Tips & Ideas For Ages 1-8, Dear Babysitter Handbook, Welcoming Your Second Baby, Getting Your Child to Sleep … and Back to Sleep, Trouble-free Travel with Children, Baby Proofing Basics and Games Babies Play From Birth to Twelve Months, Koko Bear’s New Potty, A New Baby at Koko Bear’s House, Koko Bear and the New Babysitter, and Koko Bear’s Big Earache. Vicki Lansky’s Divorce Book for Parents: Helping Children Cope with Divorce and Its Aftermath
