Being a parent or teenager can be tough enough without the added stress of a divorce. The teenage years are already a time when a child is transitioning into an adult, and they may not always want to do what their parents ask of them. Furthermore, divorced parents in Illinois may have to contend with a lack of communication with the child’s other parent. Therefore, it can be easy to make mistakes raising a child.
For example, parents may communicate less because they feel like their teens can handle some problems on their own. However, they still need support and guidance, and that can only happen if a parent knows what a son or daughter is going through. Teens may also take advantage of the fact that they have more freedom as they get older and receive less parental supervision.
Ultimately, that can lead to bad behaviors or poor choices that can impact a teen’s life both now and into the future. Parents should always know who their son or daughter’s friends are and provide guidance at all times. Of course, it can be a good idea to be flexible as a child gets older. In some cases, it may be necessary to work a parenting plan around a teen’s social life, part-time job and other activities.
Generally speaking, parents are required to be a guardian to their children until they are 18. Therefore, it is important that they guide and protect them until they become legal adults. Failure to act in a child’s best interest might lead to changes to a child custody arrangement. Changes may include a parent losing custody or losing sole custody of a son or daughter. An attorney might help individuals retain parental rights.
