Asking for a divorce is difficult. Moving through the process is stressful and worrisome. And telling your children about your divorce is all of these things, plus so much more.
There’s no easy way to tell your children about your divorce, as they’re sure to have questions and concerns. Not to mention the fact that you’ll have to come to grips with the fact that life will never be the same for them.
How to share the news about your divorce
There’s no perfect way to tell your children about your divorce, but there are basic tips you can follow to reduce some of the tensions:
- Sit down with your spouse to tell your children together: If both of you are able to tell your children about your divorce at the same time, it shows that you have every intention of doing what’s best for them in the future and you’re still a “team” when it comes to parenting.
- Answer their questions: Depending on the age of your children, they’re likely to have questions about the impact of divorce on their life. Where will I live? Where will I go to school? Will I get to see both of you still? Be ready to give answers that will help reassure them.
- Comfort them: Sometimes, this is what matters most. Comfort them and let them know that you’ll do whatever you can to make this transition as smooth as possible. Let them know that your love for them hasn’t changed — and never will.
Also, keep in mind that one conversation isn’t always enough. Your children may continue to have questions about your divorce well into the future. Once your children know what’s going on, it’s easier to turn your attention toward the divorce process, your legal rights and the future.
