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Tips for breaking the news of divorce to your children

On Behalf of | May 27, 2020 | Divorce |

Divorce is an intimidating process. Because of this fact, many people put it off until things boil over. This can lead to additional conflict and make your divorce difficult to resolve. Don’t let this happen to you. Instead, consider planning how you want your marriage dissolution to unfold so that you retain some control over it and hopefully minimize conflict.

That may sound easier said than done. For example, one step in the divorce process that many people dread is breaking the news to children. After all, in some instances, divorce can shatter a child’s perception of his or her world. Therefore, you should be careful when breaking the news to your children. Maybe these tips will help:

  • Present the matter united with your spouse so that your children don’t automatically see the two of you as adversaries.
  • Don’t blame your spouse for anything as doing so will only poison your children’s relationship with that parent. It can also lead to retaliation, which isn’t good for anybody.
  • Ensure that your children know that you love them no matter what.
  • Tell the truth. Children know when you’re trying to hide something, and they will lose trust in you if they find out that you lied to them. This can affect your relationship with them for a long time to come.
  • Be receptive to questions and answer them honestly.
  • Validate your children’s feelings.
  • Tell your children that you’re open to discussing the divorce in an ongoing fashion.
  • Reassure your children that you and your spouse will be there for them.
  • Let your children know that in end everything will be okay.

At the end of the day, breaking the news of divorce to your children is going to be difficult and maybe even heartbreaking. But staying in a toxic marriage can be even worse for them. Hopefully, by following these tips you can ease your children’s fears and create an open dialogue that they need and deserve.

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