How to Navigate Co-Parenting with a Troubled Teen

It's hard to admit, but perhaps the biggest victim of a divorce or separation is the children caught in between. Still, divorced or separated couples must come together and work as a team to provide stability and support their children's needs, including the teens. Teens feel the impact of their parents' divorce or separation more keenly. As most of them may already be troubled by the stress of a teenager's life, conflict in the family often adds stress, confusion, and emotional turbulence. A lack of consistency and unified support from both parents can worsen a troubled teen's behavioral issues. That's why it's even more crucial that parents learn how to navigate co-parenting when their teen is facing challenges. Learn more about it in this article. 

How Co-Parenting Situations May Happen

Co-parenting usually comes as a result of a divorce or separation between couples. They essentially share their responsibilities for raising their child after said divorce or separation. This situation requires open communication, mutual respect, and a commitment to working together—all for the benefit of the child. The main goal is to be united, even if you and your co-parent don't always agree on everything. It's about finding common ground and ensuring your teen gets the care they need. As a parent, sometimes you must put your ego aside and do what's best for your teen.  For example, you and your co-parent may have different approaches to discipline. You may tend to be stricter with discipline, but your co-parent is more lenient. In this case, setting boundaries and being consistent with rules are necessary to avoid confusion for your troubled teen. Otherwise, they may act out or manipulate the situation.

Navigating Your Role as a Co-Parent

Here’s how you can explore your role as a co-parent.

Practice effective communication

When talking to your co-parent, keep the communication and respectful. Blaming each other for your teen's struggle will be unhelpful; instead, focus on what's best for your teen. Checking in regularly can help the both of you stay on the same page. Remember to use direct language to discuss your teen's needs and troubles, and be willing to listen.

Focus on your teen's well-being

Personal disagreements between exes spark tension and it's easy to get caught up in it. But avoid the trap of getting caught up in arguments by keeping the focus on your teen. You and your co-parent should put aside past issues and prioritize your teen's emotional and mental health.

Addressing discipline

Discipline should be uniform between you and your co-parent. It's also one area where you both must be consistent. Aim for balance when addressing discipline; avoid coming across too lenient or too harsh. Discuss and agree on fair consequences for your teen's actions, and make sure both households enforce them.

Create consistent rules and boundaries

This is perhaps the most crucial part you must learn to navigate: being consistent with rules and boundaries. Teenagers thrive when they have clear, predictable rules in both homes. They will be more likely to feel secure and know what's expected of them. Your and your co-parents' households may have different rules, but try aligning your expectations. Sit down together with your co-parent to establish them. For example, you should be on the same page about academic performance, house responsibilities, and curfews. Varying rules can convey that one's parents' rule matters more than the other.

Seeking Support Together

Feeling overwhelmed with co-parenting and dealing with your separation is expected. But getting outside support can make a difference. What's also important is that you approach getting this support with your co-parent to give your troubled teen stability and comfort. Seeking professional support shows your teen that you and your co-parent are committed to finding solutions. Aside from personal therapists or counselors, consider finding a family coach to help you and your co-parent understand their teen's behavior. You can get strategies for dealing with difficult situations individually and as a unit. They also offer guidance to co-parent effectively. Teachers, extended family, and close friends can also provide additional support in monitoring your teen's progress and offering insight into what works or not. Having a support network that cares about your teen can ease the burden of co-parenting. However, if you feel completely alone and cannot cope with the challenges of co-parenting a troubled teen, consider a residential treatment program like Liahona Academy.

Conclusion

Co-parenting a troubled teen requires strong communication, focus on your teen, aligned objectives, and high consistency all around. While it's not always easy to work with your ex, working together as a united front will give your teen the best chance for success. Keep the focus on the bigger picture: your teen's well-being. You're not alone. Contact Liahona Academy for consultation on how to handle troubled teens.