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 they might act out during a divorce.
Here are some things your kids might do:
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Tell your teens that acting out in these ways may take their mind off their feelings for a little while, but feelings always come back. Breaking rules or doing risky things just adds 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 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.
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 with this. These guides will teach them