DIVORCE:How to talk to your adolescent

• Ariel Cook• Chelsea George• Kelsea Flynn• Kimberley Sweet• William Lannon

What is divorce?

DIVORCE:

“A judicial declaration dissolving a marriage in whole or in part, especially one that releases the marriage partners from all

matrimonial obligations”-Dictonary.com

Why is divorce a problem?

EFFECTS Part 1

1. More likely drink alcohol and smoke when they are older. 

2. If they are younger than 15 when their parent get divorced – increased risk of becoming depressed.

3. Lifespan is almost five years less than those from intact families.

Teenage development*:

*Effects may vary

EFFECTS Part 3Girls:

1. Will seek love and attention, but will fear abandonment. 

2. More likely to engage in sexual activity earlier than those whose family is intact.

3. May feel anxiety about forming relationships. 

EFFECTS Part 2 Boys:

1. More likely to have lower self esteem than girls.

2. Usually aggressive and disobedient.  

3. More likely to die from accident and violence. 

Starting the conversatio

n. . .

BEFORE 1. Tell the children the truth about

what is going on the between the two parental figures

2. Keep the conversation age appropriate

3. Reassure the child or adolescent that they were not responsible for the divorce and that the divorce does not change the way that you and the other parent feel about them

Ways to start the conversation:

AFTERWhat to do after the divorce: 1. Support your child in any way

you can.

2. Listen to your child and answer any questions they have about ongoing changes in their lives.

3. Every child has a different reaction to divorce. Some normal reactions*• Anger• Anxiety• Mild depression

What can you do to

help?

Do• Let kids know their

feelings are valid.• Reduce disruptions in

daily routines.• Stay involved in

child’s life• Stay consistent!• Tell kids both

parents love and support them

Don’t• Tell kids how they’re

feeling.• Fight in front of kids• Use kids as go-

between/spy• Pressure kids to take

sides• Use kids as

scapegoats

SUPPORT 1. Maintain routine.

2. Take care of yourself.

3. Work with your ex.

4. Know when to seek help.

For parents:

To wrap things up. .

.

References• Children and divorce. (2013). American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Retrieved April 16, 2014,

from https://www.aacap.org/aacap/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/Facts_for_Families_Pages/Children_and_Divorce_01.aspx

• Children and Divorce: Helping your kids cope with the effects of separation and divorce. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2014, from http://www.helpguide.org/mental/children_divorce.htm

• Divorce: How to help your teenager. (2013). American Academy of Pediatrics. Retrieved April 16, 2014, from http://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/family-dynamics/types-of-families/Pages/Divorce-How-to-Help-Your-Teenager.aspx

• Divorce Rates (2014). In Divorce Statistics . Retrieved April 15, 2014, from http://www.divorcestatistics.org/

• Divorce Reform. (2014). Kid Affected by Parents Yelling. [Photograph]. http://divorcereform.us/

• Fagan, P. F., & Churchill, A. (2012, January 11). The Effects of Divorce on Children. In Marri Research. Retrieved April 20, 2014, from http://www.thefamilywatch.org/doc/doc-0283-es.pdf

• Foulkes-Jamison, L. (2001). The Effects Of Divorce On Children. In Clinical Psychology . Retrieved April 20, 2014, from http://cpancf.com/articles_files/efffectsdivorceonchildren.asp

• How Divorce Affects Boys (2014). In Globalpost. Retrieved April 20, 2014, from http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/divorce-affects-boys-18258.html

• How Divorce Affects Teens Psychologically & Emotionally (2014). In Globalpost. Retrieved April 20, 2014, from http://everydaylife.globalpost.com/divorce-affects-teens-psychologically-emotionally-13988.html

References• Irvin, M. (2012, October). 32 Shocking Divorce Statistics. In MCKINLEY IRVIN. Retrieved April 20, 2014,

from http://www.mckinleyirvin.com/blog/divorce/32-shocking-divorce-statistics/

• Lyness, D. (2013). Tips for divorcing parents. Kidshealth. Retrieved April 16, 2014, from http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/help_child_divorce.html#

• New, M. (2011). Helping your child through a divorce. Kidshealth. Retrieved April 16, 2014, from http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/help_child_divorce.html#

• PPP: Family-Child Relationships || Explaining Divorce to Children || Talking about divorce is helpful. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2014, from https://www.extension.purdue.edu/providerparent/family-child%20relationships/explaindivorce.htm

• Teens and Divorce: What Hurts and What Helps? (2014). In Ohio State University Extension . Retrieved April 16, 2014, from http://ohioline.osu.edu/flm02/FS11.html

• Teen Gender Development in Divorcing or Separating Families—a Perspective from Two Cultures and Countries (2002, June). In Kids Turn. Retrieved April 20, 2014, from http://www.thefamilywatch.org/doc/doc-0283-es.pdf

• The Impact of Divorce on Children (2014). In Divorce Reform . Retrieved April 18, 2014, from http://divorcereform.us/the-impact-of-divorce-on-children/

• What are the possible consequences of divorce for children? (2014). Retrieved April 18, 2014, from http://www.divorce.usu.edu/files/uploads/Lesson5.pdf