Feelings are not wrong. But the way you or your children act on them can lead to good or bad results. Your kids might start acting much younger than they are or act out during a divorce.
Here are some things your kids might do:
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Let your teens know that acting out may take their mind off their feelings for a little while but those feelings always come back. Breaking rules or doing risky things just add to the problems they are already dealing with.
You and your children can deal with feelings in lots of different and healthy ways:
Avoid using food and other treats to make your children’s feelings go away. This is only a quick fix, and it can set your kids up for unhealthy habits. If you’re not feeling sure of your relationship with your child, talk to them! Don’t try to buy their love or happiness. That doesn’t work.
Don’t be afraid to ask for professional help, especially if you or one of your children are:
If you think your children might hurt themselves or others, get help for them immediately. Talk to a school counselor or medical professional. If you don’t know where to turn, here are some help resources:
Your kids need to know about the different strategies they can use to help them get through the separation or divorce. The Strategies section of the Teen Guide and Tools in the Kids' Guide can help them with this. These guides will teach them: