Survive a Divorce As a Teenager

If you're a teenager and your parents are getting divorced, this is the article for you.

Steps

 * 1) Talk to your parents. Tell them that you don't want to hear bad things about the other parent and that you want to see both parents, or which one you want to live with.
 * 2) Talk to your friends. When something bad happens at home, have at least one friend you can talk to about it, or even your guidance counselor.
 * 3) Get plenty of sleep. If your home situation makes it difficult to sleep through the night or even rest, you must do something to keep your mind off of your worries. You can paint, write, take a walk or do anything else that helps you calm down.
 * 4) Parent's divorce is NOT children's fault. No matter what your parents tell you or anybody in the world tells you: it's not your fault that your parents are getting divorced; they did not marry because you told them and similarly they don't get divorced because of you. Parents are adults and they can emotionally manipulate you, even other people will do so, they may tell you bad things to make you feel bad and cry but its ok, as you grow up more, you will understand. Be absolutely clear, you got nothing to do with it.
 * 5) Take care of yourself. You should know that your life is very beautiful and it will become more beautiful as you grow up and become independent. Parents are not everything in life, there are other interesting and more important things also like education, friends, sports.
 * 6) Give importance to your own life's priorities. Age before 25 is a beautiful age. Make the most of this by giving importance to your health, education, sports, friends, emotional well being. Don't just get absorbed by the crap and tension of divorce and stuff of parents. You also have a life which you have to take care of.

Tips

 * Try and talk to your friends.
 * Make time to retreat to your room, and relax alone.
 * Do something or get something nice for yourself.
 * Remember that your parents relationship is not a reflection on their feelings for you.
 * Keep in mind you are important and just as loved as before their divorce.
 * See your parents as what they are, people going through a painful time.
 * Be there for any younger siblings. They are likely to not understand much of what is going on.

Warnings

 * Never do anything dangerous or self-destructive. You will regret it in the long run.
 * Don't get involved in sex, drinking or drugs to numb your feelings.
 * Don't blame yourself. You did nothing wrong.
 * Never get involved in the bashing of a parent. You do not have to agree with the parent you live with.

Related Tips and Steps

 * How to Deal With Your Parents' Divorce
 * How to Stop Your Kids From Using Your Divorce to Their Advantage
 * How to Cope with Divorce as a Child
 * How to Deal With Children in a Divorce Situation