If you and your spouse have made the painful decision to divorce, it can be a difficult situation. However, if you have kids, it makes the situation even harder because of the consequences to their lives.
How do you tell the kids what’s about to happen?
Here are three tips that will help you as you break the news to your kids about the upcoming changes to your family – which you can customize according to your children’s ages and your own unique needs.
1. Work out a plan
You need to plan with your children’s other parent about how you will tell your kids and what you will say. Having a plan is going to help reduce feelings of hurt and anger. It’s also a good idea to tell them on a day when you don’t have anything else going on. This will give your kids time to process and ask questions, which is important in these situations.
2. Tell your children together
You should wait until all your children are together to tell them about the divorce. This is important so that nobody feels like they’re getting the news “secondhand,” which can lead to unnecessary frustration and resentment.
3. Give your kids time to ask questions
Let your children know that they can ask questions and that it is okay to be upset. This is only natural. While being upset is fine, make sure they aren’t focused on placing blame, especially on themselves.
Divorce can be hard on everyone involved, but experienced legal guidance can help you through the steps and make sure that you have a clear vision of the future.