Deciding to press forward with a divorce is one of the most difficult decisions you’ll ever make. Not only does it impact you, but it will change your children’s lives in many ways as well.
It’s important to take the right approach when telling your children about your divorce. Here are five tips to follow:
- Don’t jump the gun: Don’t tell your children you’re divorcing until you’re absolutely sure. If you discuss this too soon, you could clue your children into your marital problems, which is never a good thing.
- Get on the same page as the other parent: This allows you to remain united, despite your divorce, while giving your children the feeling that everything will be OK.
- Be open and honest: You want to protect your children, but this isn’t a time to lie. Be open and honest with your feelings and thoughts on the future.
- Prepare to answer questions: Regardless of age, your children are sure to have questions about your divorce and the impact on their lives. Prepare for every question imaginable, as your children deserve answers.
- Talk about change: Don’t hide from the fact that things will change for you and your children. Talk about this upfront, but make it clear that you’ll do whatever you can to help maintain stability in their life.
You’ll feel better once your children have more knowledge of your divorce and what’s to come. At that point, it’s easier to turn your attention to the divorce process, your legal rights and the steps you must take to move on with your life.