WHEN YOUR PARENTS ARE DIVORCING

It is always tough when parents divorce. Young adults are often confused. Parents sometimes involve the teenager, leaning on them like they are an adult. Parents can cause guilt in teens by blaming them for the divorce or forcing them to take sides in arguments. Teens dealing with divorcing parents feel their own pain of fear and lack of trust in adults.

Teens dealing with divorcing parents always need someone to talk to. Keeping feelings inside does no good and is actually harmful. Some young adults shrug off the pain thinking it is dumb to be sad. It is OK to feel sad. Things in life will change forever because of the divorce.

Children and teens are never the cause of a divorce. Most of the time, the parents have tried to work it out and could not. So teens should not blame themselves. Teens should not think that they can get their parents back together. However, it is important to talk to both your parents and share feelings.

Talk to your religious leader, healthcare provider, or school counselor, if your parents are divorcing. They can help you cope with the difficult time.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File TEEN5225.rf2 VRS# 5225 Data Version 7.0