What is the best way to tell kids their parents are divorcing?
It is best for both parents to jointly inform their children that they are divorcing. This way, it presents a unified front to the children on a decision that understandably will be a life changing event for the entire family. This also models to the children that the parents, although no longer choosing to live together, are still conducting themselves in mutually respectful, civil way toward one another. Research has shown that what is most damaging for the children in the long run from a divorce is when the parents continue to demonstrate their hostilities and divisiveness toward each other, or when they try to alienate the children from the other parent, whether in open or covert ways. Is it better or worse for parents to stay together for the sake of the kids? It depends on many factors, whether or not the parents should stay together for their children’s well-being. This can only be determined on a case-by-case basis. Remember, there are always tradeoffs, both for the parents and
