Divorce and Its Effect on Teenagers - 3 Typical Effects

Saying that divorce is a roller coaster ride forhuman being. This is an understandable reaction.
everyone involved is an understatement at best.Many couples going through divorce get so caught
How do the terms "Category 5 Hurricane" or "8.0up in their own personal animosities, feelings of
Earthquake" fit - maybe a bit better?anger and resentment that they become
Yes, divorce is universally-acknowledged as a realextremely insensitive to their kids' needs.
shakeup for the lives of not only the couple who2. They can feel de-valued by one or both
are splitting up, but also for their extended family,parents:
friends, neighbors, and... of course their own kids.In some divorce situations, one of the parents
Some say that teenagers are the biggestmay just one day up and leave town. This could
"victims" of divorce, but that may not be a fairbe a temporary "getaway" - or it may be the
characterization of the situation. After all, in somesign of a permanent move. Either way, such
cases a divorce is deemed by all involved tosudden and drastic actions may seem perfectly
entirely warranted, especially when one or bothsensible to the parent who made the move. But,
partners have been abusive or have seriallyto their kids who feel left out of the loop, this can
strayed outside the marriage.seem like the ultimate selfish act.
And, to be honest, the divorce is not meant to3. Teens can feel insecure about their future:
harm or otherwise affect the lives of the kids -For a teenager or any young person, their
and it could well have some long-term benefitsparents' marriage is one of the few things they
(depending upon a range of factors).can count on in their lives. Even though they are
If you are considering divorce, are going throughnot aware of its effect on them, it is like a
one, or know someone who is doing so - you are"given" that has always been there and
probably wondering about divorce and its effectpresumably always would. But, when the prospect
on teenagers. Here are 3 common effects:of divorce raises its head, suddenly that bedrock
1. Teenagers resent being treated like a piece ofof security shakes as if an earthquake had hit.
furniture:This leads to feelings of great insecurity for the
Many teenagers whose parents are going throughteens.
divorce often feel like they are being treated orAs you explore or go through divorce yourself,
looked at by their parents more as a personalbe sure to take into account these 3 common
possession - like a piece of furniture - than as aeffects of divorce on teenagers.