As you prepare for your divorce, you also must prepare for how you will tell your kids. This can be a difficult and daunting experience for many parents. Fortunately, Babycenter has some tips on how to tell your child that you are going through a divorce.
All kids experience divorce differently, but some common signs of your child attempting to cope include:
- Regression
- Clinginess
- Uncooperative behavior
- Insecure feelings
Even in divorces where you and your spouse are amicable, it is still difficult for your child. It is still a major change and a frightening change.
If you are worried, remember that children are also extremely adaptable. How you choose to talk to your children can make all the difference. Before you have the conversation, make sure that you are positive that the divorce will happen. Do not give your children something to worry and mull over.
If it is possible, explain the divorce to your children with your spouse. This is less confusing for them. It provides them with one solid agreed upon story. It also sets the precedent that the two of you are still a team when it comes to parenting.
As you go through the conversation, be sure that you keep the conversation as simple as possible. Explain it in a couple of sentences at first. For instance, explain the situation at hand. If the two of you have been arguing, explain that you have. Then, explain that one of you will be moving into your own place. Remember that never to play the blame game and reassure your kids that it is not their fault.