Dealing with the challenges that come with parenting teenagers and tweens is difficult enough on its own, however, when you are a divorced parent, these challenges can easily become overwhelming. In order to keep things in perspective and as manageable as possible, it is important that you develop a strong and positive relationship with your teens and tweens. This will make problem solving as a divorced parent easier to do.
To develop a positive relationship with your tweens and teens it is important to first establish boundaries for your relationship. While friendship is an important element of this relationship, a parent-child dynamic is important to maintain. This doesn’t mean that you are a dictator or authoritarian, but what it does mean is that you are the leader of the family and your kids need to understand that point when making their decisions. Boundaries will need to establish (1) your position as the leader of the family, (2) ground rules for the family and (3) rights of each family member.
After boundaries have been established communication systems need to be created. These systems will need to establish a clear line of communication between you and your tweens and teens and between you and your parenting partner(s). Communication systems will detail how communication can be made, what can be communicated and what communication responsibilities each member of the family has. For example, you can create a communication system in which open communication is encouraged by not imposing judgment on the communications being made.
For more tips on parenting tweens and teens I highly recommend Wearyparent.com. This blog offers a lot of great information for parents.
