Tips For Telling Your Children About Your Divorce

 Posted on April 12, 2016 in Divorce

Once you and your spouse have made the decision to divorce, the next step is telling your children. This is not always easy. While all children react differently to the news that their parents are splitting, most parents should expect some confusion from their children. In time, and through healthy co-parenting, your children will recover. What is the best way to break the news to your kids? How many details of your upcoming divorce do you share with them? What do you tell them when you yourself are uncertain about the future? Following these tips from divorce experts and psychologists may help.

Be Honest

Announcing your split to your children can be devastating. No parent wants to alarm their children, or leave them confused, afraid, angry, or feeling alone. As difficult as sharing the news of your divorce may be, divorce experts say it is important that your children hear the news from you directly. Do not let your children draws conclusions on their own. Instead, pick a good time to sit down with your children and break the news. Remind them that even though their parents are separating, they are still loved and supported. Also reassure them that the split has nothing to do with them, and that even though the transition time may be difficult, things will get better.

Depending on the nature of your divorce, there may be details you deem inappropriate to share with your children. You do not need to list every reason behind your separation, and you certainly do not want to place your children in the middle of conflict between you and your spouse. Instead, share what seems appropriate, and leave the door open for further questions. This is an uncertain time for your children, and knowing that they can come to you with any questions will help them feel more comfortable.

Have the Talk Together

Divorce and child experts recommend that both parents break the news together. Despite any issues you and your spouse may have, sit down together and talk with your children. Being together will help reassure your children that no matter how living arrangements and parenting time may change in the future, both parents are still there to love and support them. Both you and your spouse should make a point to remind your children that your separation has nothing to do with them, and that you are both committed to being great parents moving forward.

Talk About Upcoming Changes

You may not know exactly how future living arrangements and parenting time will pan out after your divorce, but you should let your children know that changes are coming. Children fare far better when they are able to plan for change, so fill them in early, and keep sharing news as it comes up. It is also okay to say that you do not know exactly what the future holds, but that both you and your soon to-be co-parent will be there for support every step of the way. Explain to them that one parent may have to move, or that they may start seeing one parent a little more or less, but they are no less loved and safe. Then, when your divorce is finalized, and plans are made for your children, they will already be prepared for change.

Naperville Divorce Attorneys Are Here to Help

Divorce is often an emotional roller coaster. With so many things to worry about, it is vital to have a qualified Naperville divorce attorney you can trust by your side. Choose Pesce Law Group, P.C., where we will aggressively represent you and your children both in and out of the courtroom. Call 630-352-2240 to schedule a free consultation with us today. We will take ample time to review and understand your case and needs to ensure we provide quality representation. Call today to see why our team is the right choice for your family.

Source:

http://wfla.com/2016/03/30/helping-kids-understand-divorce/