It’s important for parents to know how to approach the divorce conversation with their children. This can be a difficult conversation to have, but it’s also a necessary one to help them adjust to how their life will change. When parents take proper care, they can help this transition go smoothly.
How should you do this if you’re getting a divorce this year? Here are three things to keep in mind.
Break the news together
First and foremost, when you finally decide to tell the children that you’re going to end the marriage, you and your spouse should do it together. This should be a family meeting. That way, the children will all find out at the same time. Additionally, they get to hear from both you and your former partner, reassuring them that both of their parents will still be involved in their lives.
Considering their age
Another thing to do is to think about the ages of your children, as you may need to give different levels of detail, depending on what you believe they can handle. For instance, some children may need to know the reason for the divorce, while it would be best not to tell others.
Plan with enough time
Finally, remember that the children are going to have questions. It’s important to allow them to ask these questions during the conversation. As such, you need to plan the conversation when you have enough time to talk for as long as needed – such as on a weekend, not in the morning before school.
Putting your children first is definitely possible during a divorce. Just be sure you know what steps to take.