A divorce is a significant event for you and your children. No matter how long you have been with your spouse, the process of splitting your joint life back into two will come with many complex emotions.
Your children feel the stress of divorce in many challenging ways. While a divorce may be the best step for you and your spouse, it may take time for your children to understand why a divorce is necessary.
Here are a few tips for talking to your children about your divorce.
Open for questions
The idea of divorce can be a difficult one. After your first discussion, you may ask if they have questions, only to find that they are too overwhelmed to wrap their heads around the concept.
Give your children several opportunities to ask questions and invite them to talk to you when they think of topics they want to discuss. Also, make sure you follow through on your promise to talk about the divorce. Getting a divorce can raise many questions for children, and it is critical to keep your promises, especially during such a challenging time.
Your spouse is still their parent
There are many different types of conflicts and incompatibilities that can lead to divorce. However, unless you need to give your child information about your spouse to keep them safe, you should avoid involving your children in the conflicts between you and your ex.
In most cases, courts will aim for a shared custody or visitation agreement so that you and your spouse can have time with your children. When you keep your children out of the conflict, it allows them to have a relationship with their other parent still.
Talking to your children about divorce is challenging, but it is essential to your relationship with them. Talking about the changes will help your children learn how to cope with this new chapter in their lives.
