If you have decided to move forward with the divorce process, you may have a variety of concerns on your mind. Some of these may relate to dividing assets and other divorce issues but many may relate to your children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the U.S. in 2021, 689,308 couples decided to end their marriages through divorce and many also struggled with similar concerns. To tell your children about your impending divorce, try using some of these strategies.
Select the time carefully
Pick a time to tell your children about your upcoming divorce when you can provide your full attention to the conversation. You should also refrain from having this conversation before a major event in one of your children’s lives, such as the night before a birthday.
Prepare what you will say
Sit down with your spouse and decide what you will tell your children about your divorce. Avoid placing blame on your spouse and assure your children that ending your marriage is not their fault.
Listen to your children’s feedback
Once you tell your children about your divorce, give them time to react to the news. Listen to their feelings and provide support in whatever way you can.
Your children may not react to the news of your divorce as you might expect, and they may go through a variety of emotions ranging from anger and frustration to sadness and disbelief. In the days following this conversation, talk to and spend time with your children often to help them adjust to the changes that will come.