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Our Los Angeles family law attorneys at Land Legal Group know co-parenting can be challenging, especially when California parents have younger children who don’t understand why they’re being pulled into different decisions. However, younger kids often have time to adjust to the new child custody schedule, so they become used to the changes and grow accordingly.
When children of divorce are teenagers, the divorce and custody decisions can have a more dramatic impact on their well-being. Here, we explain why that is often the case.
Teenagers Have a Lot of Opinions: One of Them Manifests in Anger at Their Parents
Many older kids and teens may be more inclined to express their anger about the divorce. It’s essential to recognize that while they shouldn’t have a say in your marriage, they have a right to express how the divorce impacts their lives. Try to empathize with their fears and reassure them that you will do your best to make the situation easier for them.
Divorces Often Cause Older Kids to Dramatically Take Sides
Most teenagers decide that one of their parents needs protection after a divorce. Often, this manifests by them dramatically taking one parent’s side over the other. Both parents must address any behavior from their children, including demanding to live with one parent or echoing one of the parent’s arguments to a judge.
Both parents must work together as a united front and communicate to their children that no one person is to blame and that both parents are there for them.
Teenagers May Begin Separating from the Family
Some teenagers will avoid the complications of their parents’ divorce by spending more time with their friends than at home. If your child stops coming home as much after school, spends most weekends away, and doesn’t want to be with the family, there’s a good chance that is what’s happening.
Establishing dedicated family time in both households can help reassure the children that a strong family bond can still be maintained in a new living arrangement.
Work With the Other Parent to Allay Your Teenager’s Fears
California parents can alleviate many of the adverse effects of divorce by maintaining open and active communication with each other and their children—regardless of age. Don’t wait for your teens to come to you with questions; instead, have a family meeting (if possible, with both parents) to discuss the divorce and what will happen going forward.
Most of all, assure the children that you’re both there for them no matter what.
Contact Our Family Law Attorney in Los Angeles Today
If you have questions or concerns about how your California divorce will impact your children, we’re here and ready to listen. Call 310-552-3500 today to connect with the Land Legal Group’s team of adept family law attorneys in Los Angeles.
