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3 tips for telling your kids about your divorce

On Behalf of | Jul 12, 2022 | Family Law |

When you and your spouse decide to divorce, one of your biggest concerns may involve how your children will react to this major change. You may worry about how your children will take the news and how they will cope with your divorce.

Although divorces in the U.S. hit a 50-year low in 2019, according to the Institute for Family Studies, many parents still must navigate the challenge of helping their children through the divorce process. The following tips can help you effectively tell your children about your plans to end your marriage.

1. Plan ahead

Decide what you and your spouse will tell your children when you hold the conversation about getting divorced. Include some main talking points and make sure you reiterate to your children that the divorce is not their fault in any way.

2. Choose the time carefully

Pick a time to tell your children about your divorce that does not conflict with any other major events or special occasions. For instance, avoid having this conversation on one of your children’s birthdays or the evening before one of your children has a big performance or test.

3. Prepare for many emotions

Each one of your children may react differently to the news of your divorce. Accept any emotions your children exhibit, whether they become angry, upset, frustrated, etc.

Breaking the news about your plans to divorce can be difficult information for your children to process. In the days following this conversation, try and give your children more one-on-one time so they can talk about their emotions.