Tips for co-parenting teenagers

Although many parents may think that a divorce will have a more significant impact on younger children, a split can have a profound and long-lasting influence on teenagers.

According to an article in the Huffington Post, co-parenting teens who move between two households presents particular challenges for parents, especially when the two adults no longer get along because of the nature of their split.

The article noted that both parents have to reach common ground on issues regarding their child, no matter how terrible their relationship might be following a divorce.

Things like a driver's license present a problem during co-parenting, as a kid may try to pit their parents against each other in order to get more freedom. Mom and dad need to realize that they are not doing anyone a favor when they give their son or daughter more freedom than their former partner, as a teen driving is dangerous and needs to be effectively monitored by both parties.

The same goes for a cell phone, iPod or computer, as both parents need to be on the same page in telling their kid what is or is not allowed. Teens can use these technologies to get into trouble, and specific requests from either parent regarding the devices need to be respected by the other adult, according to the article.

The manner of the divorce can have a significant impact on the relationship between the parents post-split, and a divorce mediator may help to ease the negative feelings that are harbored by both parties.

Less tension may help to make co-parenting easier, and divorce mediation allows both parents to move on quicker due to the expedited nature of this alternative method for ending a marriage.

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