The USA is known for its HIGH divorce rate.  Things don't work out, get a divorce.  Yes, sometimes divorce is the only way out because of abuse, cheating spouses, or one spouse changes and can no longer live with the other one.  However, your FIRST priority is your teen and yourself.  Dating is the last thing you'd want to do since your just ended a marriage or long-term relationship.  Isn't it? 

Many men and woman quickly "hop" into another relationship after separating, ending a long-term relationship, or divorcing.  In some cases the ink isn't even dried on the divorce papers!  What type of message does this send to teens?   It sends the message that "they are not important but your love life is."  Nice!  It's no wonder teens have a lot of issues today.  Blended families are the norm.  If you don't take time to heal, take responsibility for your life/actions, and think about what just happened, you're bound to create the same "relationship" issues with another man or woman.  The player changes, but it's the same story -- different stage setting.

What if your teenage son or daughter doesn't get along with the new "man or woman" in your life?  What if the new "man or woman" treats your teen in an awful manner?  Are teens just supposed to SUCK IT UP and deal with it?  You'd think that your kids would be the NUMBER ONE priority in addition to yourself.  Unfortunately, this is not the case.  Many teens split their time between mom and dad and the new boyfriend and or girlfriend.  The new boyfriend or girlfriend may or may NOT treat your teen very well.  Is your teen supposed to take the abuse? Yes, it is abuse -- mental and emotional.  Look it up.  It's amazing that a lot of teens don't apply for emancipation at the age of 16.  They may as well do it because they're probably on their own in the first place.

If you're headed for divorce, seek help.  Your teens will be affected by YOUR decisions in YOUR life.  That's the way it goes when you're a parent.  The bottom line is that YOU have a RESPONSIBILITY to your teen.  You may want to think twice about the man or woman in your life.  Is it right or humane to allow someone to treat your teen like crap?  This will only manifest a ton of issues for you and your teen as she becomes an adult.  Remember that teens learn from their parents.  Later in life teens may experience dis-functional relationships, be too hard on themselves, not trust anyone, and have many other issues.  Plus, your teen may not be there for you.  Yes, it's better to forgive, but this can be hard to do.  Parents, remember that one day you'll be elderly.  If you allow the new boyfriend/girlfriend or wife/husband to treat your teen in an awful manner, do you think he or she will take care of you?  Take it from me; you'll end up in a nursing home all alone!  That's no bull!

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!