The following release is provided for our media friends. For additional information, email publicity@impactpublishers.com. 

 
It’s Not Your Fault; It’s Not About You
Helping Teens Cope When Mom and Dad Divorce

Megan was a typical teenager, with typical teen issues that she and her parents fought over: friends, music, her messy room, and homework. When her parents’ marriage ended, Megan assumed it was her fault.

            The overwhelming sense of guilt teens can feel when their parents divorce is an understandable reaction, says Floridaresident Cynthia MacGregor, author of The Divorce Helpbook for Teens. “But kids need to know that they are never the cause of their parents’ unhappiness with each other or the reason for one parent moving out.”

            MacGregor speaks to teens on a candid, personal level, offering warmth and solid advice. “I know this breakup of your family is rough on you,” she acknowledges, “But consider this: Getting divorced is no fun for your parents, either. They’re not doing this to you. They’re not doing this because of you. In fact, much as you may be hurting right now, it’s important that you recognize that the divorce is not about you!”

            Filled with realistic vignettes, straight answers, and practical strategies for adjusting to life changes after divorce, this friendly, positive guide provides tools for coping with sadness, anger, depression, and learning to relate to Mom and Dad in their new, separate lives.

            “You still have both your parents — and their love,” MacGregor assures her readers, “— even though one of them no longer lives in your house. Take an active part in making yourself comfortable in both your parents’ homes. You’ll have a much better relationship if you meet them halfway.”

            This doesn’t mean participating in poor adult judgment. “There are two things that divorced people sometimes ask of their children that are totally unfair. One is to carry messages, and the other is to act as spies.” The author makes it clear: “You have every right to refuse.”

            With the compassion and clear-eyed perspective that makes Cynthia MacGregor a favorite with parents and children, The Divorce Helpbook for Teens addresses custody issues, how to avoid unhealthy temptations and making bad decisions, and where to find additional help. A sampling from the Frequently Asked Questions chapter reflects the range of concerns covered:

  • Mom is sad all the time since Dad moved out. What’s a good way to help her feel better?
  • Are my parents going to start dating other people?
  • If my mom gets married again, will I have to call her new husband “Dad”?
  • Since Dad moved out, Mom talks to me differently — almost like I were a friend of hers instead of her child. Sometimes she tells me stuff I’m not comfortable hearing. How do I stop her?
            “You can’t change what’s happened,” MacGregor tells her readers. “You can’t get your mom and dad back together. But you can change certain situations that may have resulted from the divorce. And you can learn ways to make it easier to live with other situations.”

            Among Cynthia MacGregor’s nearly 50 published books are several others that help kids through difficult situations, including The Divorce Helpbook for Kids, Why Do People Die? and Why Do We Need Another Baby? Cynthia lives in South Florida, where she teaches adult evening courses in creative writing and public speaking. Her hobbies are writing haiku (a form of poetry) and cooking. A divorced mother herself, with many divorced friends, Cynthia brings real-life experience to the subject of this book.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
 
The Divorce Helpbook for Teens is available at online and local bookstores nationwide or directly from Impact Publishers at 1-800-246-7228 or www.impactpublishers.com.
 
Divorce Helpbook for Teens, The
Divorce Helpbook for Teens, The
Price: $13.95

« Back «