Helping your children cope with your divorce is a high priority, and the first step in doing this is determining how to tell your kids about the split in the first place.
While it is normal for children to experience strong emotions about this decision, you can help to reduce their stress and worry by approaching the conversation in the right way.
Find the right time
While it may be tempting to wait to tell your children, you should give them enough time to process the information before the actual separation or divorce occurs. On the other hand, you also want to avoid telling them too soon or at the wrong time. While each family’s circumstances will differ, two to three weeks before a separation should provide the right amount of time for kids to accept the change.
Tell your children together
When possible, you and your spouse should sit down together with your kids to break the news of your divorce. Doing so allows you to address concerns together and demonstrate that you are still a team when it comes to parenting.
Talk about what will stay the same
With all the changes that your children are about to experience, consistency is important. Emphasize the things that will not change going forward. For example, you can focus on the fact that they will attend the same school or participate in the same sports or hobbies.
You will want to tailor your conversation to the individual needs and ages of your children, but patience and reassurance can help all kids cope with the news of your divorce.
