Divorce is hard–there’s no denying it. It can leave you feeling broken, overwhelmed, and worried about how your teen will see the faith you believe in. But even in the midst of this pain, God has given you a powerful responsibility: to help your teen follow Jesus. The good news? Despite the challenges, your influence as a parent remains strong and meaningful.

Your Role Still Matters

You may wonder if divorce has made it impossible to raise your teen well. By the grace of God, research shows that’s not the case. According to a study by Amato (2001), the quality of the parent and child’s relationship is what really matters, not whether parents are married or divorced. When you’re consistently involved in your teen’s life–showing them love, setting boundaries, and guiding them in the Word–you can help them be stronger in their faith.

Proverbs 22:6 reminds us, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." This verse doesn’t call for perfect parenting, it calls for faithful parenting. Your role is to plant seeds of faith, trusting that Jesus will grow them in His time.

Faith Over Perfection

If you feel guilty about the past, know that God’s grace covers our mistakes (Psalms 103). What matters now is how you move forward. Ephesians 6:4 gives clear advice: "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." This means creating a space where your middle/high schooler feels safe, loved, and open to learning about Jesus.

Even if you’re parenting alone or sharing custody, you can model a real relationship with Jesus by praying together, reading Scripture, and having honest conversations about faith. Research by Kelly (2000) found that strong, supportive parental involvement can help teenagers handle the stress of divorce much more effectively.

Lean on God’s Wisdom

Divorce can make you doubt your ability to lead your teen spiritually. When those doubts creep in, remember James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him." God doesn’t expect you to have all the answers–He simply invites you to ask for His help.

One of the most powerful things you can do is pray with and for your teens regularly. This not only teaches them to turn to God in difficult times, but also shows them that faith is a source of strength.

Heal Yourself to Help Them

Your own healing is a big part of helping your teenager’s faith. Teens pick up on their parents’ emotions and behaviors more than you might realize. Seeking support through counseling and CF Small Groups can help you process your emotions in a healthy way.

When you’re in a better place emotionally, you’re able to be more present and encouraging for your teen. Being a single parent is already hard, so help yourself by surrounding yourself with others who can offer support.

Moving Forward in Faith

Divorce may change your family structure, but it doesn’t have to limit what God can do in your teen’s life. Keep praying, keep guiding, and keep showing them what it means to follow Jesus, even in what might feel like a broken situation.

You’re not alone in this journey. God’s grace is enough to fill in the gaps and cover your imperfections as a parent. Trust that He is working, even when you can’t see it. If you’d like more information on joining a community at Christ Fellowship Church for yourself or your teen, click here.