How To Tell Your Kids That You're Getting A Divorce

Divorce is never easy, especially when children are involved. It’s important to tell your children in the right way and be prepared for their reactions. In this article, we’ll cover the best ways to tell your children about your divorce and how to handle their emotions.

Preparing for the Conversation
Choosing the Right Time and Place
Being Honest and Open
Explaining Why It Is Happening
Dealing with Reactions and Emotions
Setting Up a New Routine
Wrapping It Up

Preparing for the Conversation

It’s important to agree on what to say ahead of time and plan to tell your children the news on a day that allows for family time. It’s not the best idea to blurt out the news impulsively, so it may be a good idea to consider using services of a mediator, divorce coach, or counselor.

Take the time to plan out what you want to say and how you want to say it. This will help ensure that the conversation goes smoothly and that everyone is on the same page.

Choosing the Right Time and Place

It’s important to choose the right time and place to tell your children. Avoid holidays or special days, and don’t tell them right before school or bedtime.

Choose a time that’s right for everyone and find a comfortable, distraction-free space to have the conversation.

Being Honest and Open

Tell your children the truth in an age-appropriate way. Remind them that you still love them and let them ask questions. It’s important to model a united front.

Don’t sugarcoat or avoid the truth. Let them know that you are both available to answer any questions they may have.

Explaining Why It Is Happening

Explain why you are divorcing in a brief, age-appropriate way. Avoid placing blame and arguing. Use the “we” word when explaining decisions.

Be as transparent as possible without going into too much detail. Remember that this is an emotional situation, so it’s important to keep your emotions in check.

Let your children know that you still love them and point out what won’t change. Reassure them that they are loved and that your love for them will never falter.

The way you deal with your child during the divorce process is key to making sure that it goes through as smooth as possible.

Dealing with Reactions and Emotions

Leave space and time for your children to express their emotions. Help them talk out their feelings.

Be there to listen and provide support as your children process their feelings. Let them know that it’s okay to have all different types of emotions.

Setting Up a New Routine

Explain what will be different and how and explain what won’t change. Share a timeline of what the transition will look like.

Be sure to explain that the new routine is not permanent and that it can be adjusted as needed. Point out the positive aspects of the new routine and how it could benefit everyone.

Wrapping It Up

Divorce isn’t easy for anyone involved, but being honest and open with your children about the situation can help them to process the news. With the right preparation and guidance, you can ensure that the conversation goes as smoothly as possible. Even though there may be some difficult emotions to navigate, it’s important to remember that your love for your children will never change. With the right approach and support, your family can transition to this new phase in life.