From Breakup Blues to Brighter Days
Helping Your Teen Turn Heartbreak Into a Comeback
For teens, a breakup can feel like an emotional roller coaster, with ups and downs and confusing loop-de-loops. As a parent or guardian, you can be their safety harness during this difficult time, providing advice and comfort through the twists and turns. As they deal with heartbreak, perhaps for the first time, listening and providing them with a safe space to experience the grief, confusion, and loss can help them heal. Grab that box of tissues, and let’s explore the best ways to support your child after the end of a relationship. LISTEN, DON’T LECTURE Though you might have a million questions when you learn your teen has gone through a breakup, they will likely shut down if you grill them. Start by letting them know you’re sorry for what happened and inviting them to share their feelings. Just like adults,
teens need space and time to process the relationship ending, and you can encourage them to open up when they are ready. Try working on a chore together — they might reveal what’s on their mind, but don’t push. When they do talk to you about it, ask them questions that will help them develop a more comprehensive and helpful outlook about the breakup. You can provide them with deeper insights and reassure them that the end of a relationship isn’t because they are not good enough or lacking as a person. HELP THEM SMILE In this sad and confusing time, healthy and enjoyable distractions can help your teen smile again and rebuild their self-confidence. Keep their routines in place, but suggest going somewhere fun together, like an art class, park, or museum. Not only will this
allow them to get the breakup off their mind for a while, but it will also help them discover individual passions or find new hobbies that bring them joy. Let them invite their friends over for a movie night so they have their support system to rally with and remind them that they are loved. Heartbreak hurts, but with your support, time, and a little ice cream, your teen will see that brighter days are ahead.
Cut Costs, Not Ties How Mediation Makes Business Sense
In the world of business, disputes and conflicts can arise, from late payments to contract misunderstandings. Mediation is a smart, cost- effective solution to resolve professional disagreements, saving companies time, money, and relationships. Working with a mediator allows small businesses to work out issues together, finding a resolution that makes sense for everyone and doesn’t take a huge budget or hours in the courtroom. This month, let’s explore the benefits of choosing conversation over confrontation when dealing with business disputes. LESS EXPENSIVE Lawsuits are very expensive, as the attorney’s fees and court costs pile up quickly. Mediation is often much more cost-effective because typically, both parties to the dispute will evenly share the costs of the mediator with each other, rather than paying alone. This process moves quicker than going to court, so you will naturally save money on the time commitment as well. QUICKER RESULTS The quicker you can move past a business dispute, the sooner you can get back to your clients and employees. Business disputes that wind up in protracted litigation take time, especially since courts often have backlogs. These cases drag on for months and even years in some instances before a resolution (whether it be a voluntary settlement well into litigation or a trial) occurs. On the other hand, mediation usually only lasts a day and can be scheduled quickly depending on the
mediator’s schedule. The mediation process requires less work on the front end by lawyers than protracted litigation, where a lawyer needs to complete written discovery and depositions. Furthermore, many Courts will order the parties to a lawsuit to attend mediation before the Judge will preside over a trial anyways, so by attempting “front-end” mediation, parties can save themselves valuable time and money and complete mediation, which they will likely be ordered to attend anyways. PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS BONDS Mediation protects and preserves the bonds between you and the other party, your employees, and your customers. Lengthy lawsuits damage professional relationships, but in mediation, the goal is to collaborate peacefully for the outcome that’s best for everyone. You have more control. Instead of a jury or judge deciding the result, both parties will continue to talk and negotiate until a resolution occurs or settlement negotiations break down. This process is also private, unlike court cases, which become public record. Resolution for business disputes doesn’t have to be messy or conflict- driven. Mediation offers a respectful path forward and helps save money, time, and meaningful professional relationships. Before you head to court, consider sitting at the table instead. At Douglass & Runger, we understand that preserving your business partnerships matters. Contact us at 901-388-5805 to learn how our team can provide cost-effective, practical solutions that protect your company’s future!
2 • DouglassRunger.com
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