24: Separated from Your Spouse or Divorced? What To Do About Your Teen?

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dr. Maureen Bizub, Psy.D., has been working in the court system for the last 23 years and has seen couples go through it all; including using their children to hurt the other parent. What can you do to prevent a situation like this if you're separating from your partner or if your child is currently spending their time in separate households? Dr. Maureen has some timeless advice on how to act in the best interest of your children. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Key Takeaways</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">What do teens really need when their parents live in separate households?</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">What are some common mistakes parents make with their teen?</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Don't vent your partnership problems to your child!</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">You could unintentionally be using your teen as a therapist. This puts a huge burden on their shoulders.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">What can you share with your teen?</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Remember, your teen isn't an adult yet developmentally. You need to give positive reinforcements that this is not their fault.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Don't use your child as the messenger.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Please avoid litigating parenting time.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">The decision about what to do with the kids does not need to be made by the court.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-wei