It’s in your best interest to do whatever it takes to minimize the impact of divorce on your life. However, this doesn’t mean you should sweep it under the rug. For example, you need to tell your children about your divorce early on, to give them time to prepare for the changes that are sure to come.
Telling your children about your divorce is never simple, but it’s a conversation you need to have. Here are six tips you can follow:
- Choose the right time and place: Timing is everything when it comes to talking to your children about your divorce. Choose a place where they feel comfortable sharing their feelings. Just the same, choose a time when you can talk for as long as necessary.
- Tell your children together: If possible, tell your children about your divorce together. This may be more difficult on you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse, but it’s likely to make things easier on your children. And that’s what matters most.
- Don’t get into the details: Your children don’t need to hear about the details of your divorce, such as what caused it. Stick to the basics, as this should be enough for your children to understand what’s happening.
- Answer questions: You need to do more than tell your children about your divorce and move on. It’s important to answer questions, as this can help to better comfort your children. Some questions may make you uncomfortable, but do your best to provide age-appropriate answers.
- Don’t stop after the first conversation: You’ll feel better after you have this talk with your children, but it may be just one of many. If your children have questions or concerns in the future, sit down with them to work things out.
- Take care of yourself: You can’t take care of your children if you’re not caring for yourself. Do whatever it takes to maintain a healthy mind and body during this challenging time.
No one looks forward to telling their children about divorce, but once you take this step you’ll realize that you’re in better position to push forward with the process.
With this detail out of the way, you can turn your attention to filing for divorce, protecting your legal rights and planning for the future.