The Impact of Divorce on Teens With Hannah Strong

Hi friends, it’s Erica! 

In today's podcast episode I am joined by therapist Hannah Strong. Hannah is an expert in helping children navigate the challenges of divorce, and she's here to share some valuable insights on how we can best support our teens during this difficult time. As parents, it's natural to feel overwhelmed by guilt and uncertainty when going through a divorce. We worry about the impact it will have on our children, especially during the turbulent teenage years. Below you are going to find our top 3 takeaways from our conversation this week!  

Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:

Challenges of Mom Guilt - the overwhelming sense of guilt and anxiety that parents, especially mothers, often feel when going through a divorce. This cognitive bias can lead to a downward spiral of negative emotions, making it difficult for parents to effectively support their children. To combat this, myself and Hannah emphasize the importance of addressing one's own emotions and guilt before attempting to help teens navigate the divorce process.

Open Conversations - having open conversations with teens about the divorce can help soothe anxieties and provide them with a better understanding of the changes taking place. Co-creating decisions with teens, acknowledging their needs, and making them feel seen and understood are all essential components of supporting them through this challenging period.

Modeling Healthy Relationships - is also crucial for children of divorce. Hannah highlights the importance of distinguishing between interdependent, codependent, and independent relationships, and demonstrating what a healthy relationship looks like. This can be particularly challenging when communicating with teenagers, who may avoid conversations or resist connection. However, by continually offering support without turning on the "needy switch" and allowing teens to move through their emotions at their own pace, parents can foster a safe and supportive environment.

Remember, it's essential to give your teenager space to move through their emotions at their own pace while continually offering support. By setting your children up for success and directing them to trusted sources, you can help them build resilience and navigate the healing process. For more support on your journey make sure you are following along on our socials! 

Xoxo, erica

Learn more about Hannah:

I’m Hannah, a therapist, coach and industry expert in what children need to thrive during and after their parents separation. I am also a divorced Mum of two wonderful children.

I have pulled together my experience as a therapist, the latest science and psychology in child-development and my own personal experience, to develop the proven-tools, guidance and support mums need for their children to thrive!

Website: www.mythrivingchild.co
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mythrivingchild/
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@my_thriving_child
Freebie:https://www.mythrivingchild.co/lm-worksheet