crisis pregnancy
Teens and Divorce
Many unhappily married couples wait until their children are teens before they begin the divorce process, hoping that as their children get older, they will be less affected by the emotional and social issues divorce creates. Unfortunately, the impact of a family break-up on teens is just as devastating as it is on young children.
Teens dealing with parental divorce can suffer a range of emotions. Many struggle with guilt that somehow their changing moods and bodies have driven their parents to split up. Others experience difficulties with dating and sexuality as they begin to observe their parents entering new relationships. Still others suffer from loneliness and depression because their parents are too wrapped up in their own volatile emotions to focus on their children.
Still, most children in the United States will have to face such turmoil at one time or another. Statistics show that nearly two-thirds of first marriages will end in divorce; that means about half of all American children will experience their parents' divorce. And since more than 75 percent of divorced parents remarry and second marriages are more likely to fail than first, many teens will go through a second divorce with their stepfamilies.
How do these constantly changing family dynamics affect teens specifically? While some teens fare well as they face the challenge of a divorced home, studies show that immediately before, during and after a divorce, teens are more likely to experience academic and behavioral difficulties at school. They are also more prone to having low self-esteem and substance abuse problems than are their intact family counterparts. They often struggle with their sexuality and interpersonal relationships more than teens whose parents are still married. And as adults, these teens of divorce often don't achieve as much success in their careers due to motivational and self-esteem issues.
Many of these problems have been linked to the single-parent home. But recent studies show that most of them are due to the divorce itself. Teens experiencing the divorce of their parents are exposed to marital conflict, affecting their future relationships. They typically notice changes in parenting practices, usually due to the differences between parenting styles at their two homes. And the change in family income level following a divorce can have a dramatic effect on a teen's ability to cope.
Background Information
Behind the Scenes of a Teen Pregnancy
A look at the thoughts and feelings she — and you — are going through.
Abortion Risks
While abortion seems like a "quick fix" for a long-term problem, it is a permanent decision that carries physical, emotional and spiritual risks.
Deciding About Adoption
When considering adoption as an alterative to raising your baby, these answers may dispel adoption myths.
Questions and Answers
Why do I feel like this pregnancy has pulled me in so many different directions? I feel so overwhelmed with all the ramifications of this decision I must make. How can I sort it all out?
Answer
My pregnant daughter has her whole life still ahead of her. Would it be better for her to place her baby with a family through adoption, parent her baby or have an abortion?
Answer
Review Frequently Asked Questions
Stories
Things Seen and Unseen
A woman in a white coat walked into the room and flipped on the fluorescent lights, jarring my wife awake. The jarring was just beginning.
Left to Suffer
Abortion can leave a woman feeling more empty and alone than she ever dreamed possible.
Life is Sacred
Sometimes the choices we make bring pain. Thankfully, one woman turned to God for healing.
Taboo Grief: Men and Abortion
It's not something most men talk about, but the ones who've lost a child to abortion bear many scars.
If you've been through a experience related to this topic, we invite you to share your story with others.Share Your Story
Other Things to Consider
Faith Helps
God may be the only person who understands what you're going through.
What the Choice is All About
For a long time it baffled me. I could never understand why anyone would want to be pro-choice. But this past week I finally got it.
Related Topics
Relationships: Blended Families, Parents and Adult Children
Transitions: Preparing for Adolescence, Empty Nest
