I’m Unsure About How To Tell Our Children About The Divorce, And I’m Worried I’ll Say The Wrong Thing. What’s The Best Way?

There is no best way to tell your children. The age and development of your children will determine how you tell your children. Changes in your children’s everyday lives, such as a change of residence or one parent leaving the home, are far more important to them than the reasons you and your spouse separated. Information about legal proceedings and meetings with lawyers are best kept among adults.

Simpler answers are best for young children. Avoid giving them more information than they need. Use the adults in your life as a source of support to meet your own emotional needs.

After the initial discussion, keep the door open to further talks by creating opportunities for them to talk about the divorce. Use these times to acknowledge their feelings and offer support. Always assure your children that the divorce is not their fault and that they are still loved by both you and your spouse, regardless of the divorce. Attend counseling with your children, if necessary, to help them cope.