MODEL RELATIONSHIP BEHAVIOR FOR YOUR TEEN
Finding ways to improve your child’s life after your divorce can be a stressful experience. When you have a teen, one challenge that you are going to face is that you are under a microscope. Even though it might not seem like it, the teen is watching you to see how you react to various things in your divorce.
You should ensure that you only model behavior that is appropriate. This means working with your ex respectfully. Your teens can learn how to interact with individuals they don’t get along with by watching you with your ex.
Another consideration is ensuring they have appropriate relationship communication skills. Because your marriage ended in divorce, they might not know how to speak and listen to a person they are involved with. Since you can’t model this behavior, you might do best by discussing what’s appropriate.
Teenagers don’t need to have perfect relationships around them to have one themselves. Instead, talk to them about how every partnership will have ups and downs. Help them to learn conflict resolution methods, so they are familiar with ways to reduce the tension in disagreements.
Your teen might benefit from a relationship workshop. They can learn a host of skills at these that might help them communicate with the person they are intimate with. They can also learn skills to work with many different people.
Working with your ex to ensure your children have a solid foundation for adulthood might not be as easy as you’d like, but it is what’s best for your kids. Take the time to work through any issues that manifest so that they gain the vital skills they need.
