How Do You Talk To Children About Divorce?
As if divorcing weren’t painful enough, parents have to endure the consequences a divorce has on their children. Although a divorced family is often a happier family, there is a painful adjustment period for the children. Talking to your child about a pending divorce is the first step in making this adjustment. Tell your child about the divorce as soon as you’re certain of your plans. Your child needs time to adjust to the news and anticipate the changes to the family’s routine. Both parents should be present for this discussion. Tailor your talk to your child’s age. Younger children may only understand that one parent won’t be living in the house anymore and that the child will be visiting that parent at a new house. Older children may know the reasons for the divorce, but they should only be told that you and your spouse have decided that divorce is best if the whole family is to be happy. Emphasize that the divorce is not the child’s fault and that although parents may stop loving e
