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Co-Parenting at Different Ages: 13 to 18-Year-Olds

For every child, co-parenting styles need to evolve. Their developmental needs will change as they grow. In this fifth and final installment of our series about co-parenting children at different ages, we’ll look at the teenage years and how you should adjust accordingly. What do you need to know about co-parenting a teen? Here are a few things to get you started. 

Support and Guidance

Teenagers are reaching a stage of development where independence is essential. However, they need support and guidance from both parents as they explore their boundaries. Ensure that you have a good plan for each parent to nurture your teen and have oversight of their behavior. 

Friendships and Activities

Building outside friendships is essential for this stage of human development. While it may seem difficult to have your teen in your home but not see them due to activities with friends, it’s a critical stage of their growth. Foster these activities and relationships.

Flexible Schedules

Unlike small children who thrive on routine, teens will need much more flexible schedules. They’ll have activities, and last-minute events pop up regularly that could impact the time spent with either parent. Both parents need to be aware and flexible about their time with their teens. 

Independence

The most significant theme for the life of teenagers is independence. They need to learn critical decision-making skills but still rely on guidance from parents. They will also want some control over their schedule, and co-parents should discuss how that should look. 

Rules on Curfews, Driving, and Dating

Of course, there are practical concerns, too, and parents need to be on the same page for many of them. Curfews, rules about driving, and dating expectations should be discussed between the parents and kept relatively consistent in each household so teens don’t feel like they have an opportunity to pit their parents against one another. 

Talk to an Experienced Family Law Attorney

To create a fair and equitable co-parenting plan for your teen, talk to a family lawyer to better understand your rights. 

We are Georgia divorce and child custody attorneys. This is all we have done since 1995. We can help. If you need help or have any questions, we would be happy to speak with you via email, text, or phone. Check us out at www.shawlaw.com.

Scott Shaw
Shaw Law Firm, PC
(770) 594-8309 (phone)
(678) 522-4799 (text)
[email protected]