Families Change Teen Guide to Separation & Divorce

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It's Not Your Fault

It's very common for teens to think that they somehow caused their parents to split up. You may be asking yourself things like "Was it something I did?" or "Is it my fault?"  Or you may be thinking, "It wouldn't have happened if I hadn't argued so much, or if I had done better at school, or..."

If you’re saying things like this to yourself, stop! It's not your fault.

Remember: Parents split up because of problems in their relationship. You are not the reason why they are splitting-up.

Q & R

Q:
I'm feeling guilty about my parents splitting up. Was there something I did to cause it?
A:

It's very common for teens to believe that they have somehow caused their parents to split up. But you’re not the reason for your parents splitting up. Parents split up because of problems in their relationship.

It's not your fault!

Q:
Will I be able to spend time with both parents?
A:

In most cases, children get to spend time with both parents. How much time you spend with each parent and exactly how that will work depends on your parents’ custody and visiting arrangements.

Remember: Parents divorce each other, not their children. Your parents are still your parents, and they still love you.