The U.S. has a very high divorce rate.  Some men and women begin new relationships BEFORE their divorce is finalized or during their separation from their spouse.  Parents don't realize how this can affect their teen.  Divorce is an upsetting situation families; especially the children.

Unfortunately, some moms and dads CHOOSE to have a NEW love life over their teen.  They usually ignore their teen's request to stop seeing the new man or woman.  This only creates animosity and tension between parents and their teen.  The situation can escalate into a dramatic situation.  Before you know it, you and your teen are not speaking or worse "going at each other" like ferocious lions!

What’s more important, your teen or your love life?  It's not healthy to begin a NEW relationship when you're separated or the ink isn't dried on the divorce papers.  If this relationship didn't work out, what makes you think the next one will?  There has to be reasons for a marriage that has ended.

Beginning a relationship with a new man or woman can cause a lot of tension, especially if the NEW person thinks he/she has POWER over your teen.  Remember, YOU ARE the parent.  Your new significant other walks a fine line when it comes to disciplining your teen.  In fact, it’s probably a good idea that he/she doesn’t discipline YOUR teen.

What if the NEW man or woman in your life doesn’t like your teen?  What do you do?  Who’s more important, your teen or the new man or woman in your life?  Unfortunately, most people choose the NEW man or woman versus their OWN child.  This is very sad.

Mom and dad, your teen needs your love and support.  Divorce is a difficult time for everyone.  Take time to figure things out BEFORE jumping into a NEW relationship.  Spend some alone time with you.  Explore the reasons for ending the marriage.  Heal yourself BEFORE getting involved with someone new.  Spend some time with your teen and talk about the divorce.  Reassure him that it’s NOT his fault!

A teen usually thinks divorce is his fault.  He’ll say things like, “…if I didn’t ask for this or that, mom and dad will still be together?”  He needs to know that it’s NOT his fault.  Sometimes people grow apart, it happens.

Parents have a responsibility to their teen to make sure they become well adjusted to the new living situation.  Often times, a teen splits time between mom and dad.  Summer with mom or dad or certain holidays with mom or dad – this can be rough on a teen.   Dating a new man or woman too soon can be a recipe for disaster.  Instead, focus on healing from the painful divorce and then find a new love relationship.  It will be better for your relationship with YOUR teen!