Teenage children sometimes become confused and present with difficult behavior. Parenting that previously worked may no longer manage difficult behaviors. During divorce, strategies that once helped seem to make things worse. Parenting through divorce presents unique challenges and concerns. Professionals can provide helpful information when co-parenting seems impossible.

          Courts are often ill equipped to make important parenting decisions about adolescents. Some teenage children get what they want, even in cases where a professional Guardian Ad Litem makes specific recommendations. This may results in dramatic changes for a child who is undergoing multiple changes due to parental divorce and adolescence. Parents may better explore and understand the best interests of their child when mediators provide education and resources.

          Research in the area of development psychology is relevant to understanding what is in the best interests of our teenagers. Participants in mediation each share their belief systems about what is best for the adolescent in regards to parenting and living arrangements. Learning how to manage parental conflict, to minimize the harmful effects on the adolescent child, is a big factor in the child’s future success. Families struggling with adolescent issues will find better resolutions using mediation.         

          There will always be conflict; learning skills to manage opposition is a worthy task for all parents. Differences of opinion arise whether couples remain married or parent post-divorce. Finding solutions together provides a less stressful atmosphere for the child and the parents.