Denton Divorce Lawyers

Adolescents and Divorce

Divorce can be a stressful and confusing time for children of all ages. Depending on the age of the child when the divorce occurs, children can suffer from different reactions and developmental problems as a result of the split. Adolescents in particular may question themselves after a divorce because it occurs during such important years in development.

When a kid suffers through their parents' divorce as a young child, studies have shown that they are more likely to engage in sexual activity at a very young age. However, when the divorce occurs during a child's teenage years, the adolescent is more likely to question marriage and relationships in general. They see marriage as a failure because their parents' marriage failed.

Also, teens tend to be much more perceptive and aware of the facets of their parents' relationship. Thus, they may recognize when one parent is more at fault for a separation than the other. This may prompt a teenager to feel like he or she should take sides with the “innocent” parent against the perceived villain.

Lastly, the teenage years tend to be a time of stress for the parents due to rebelliousness and other such adolescent behavior. Thus, a teen may think that the divorce is his or her fault, rather than the fault of issues between the parents. This feeling of blame can be unhealthy for a child.

Contact Us

To help keep divorce as stress-free as possible, you should contact a divorce lawyer to help you navigate through the confusion. For more information regarding divorce law, call the Denton divorce lawyers at the family law firm of Alexander & Associates today at 972-420-6560.