Breaking the news to your kids about your divorce is not an easy task. You should handle it thoughtfully and with care, but how? There are a few tips you can use to make telling your children go over as smooth as possible.
Plan it out
Before you actually tell your kids about the situation, you may want to plan out what you are going to say in advance. Having an idea of the key messages you want your kids to hear can help you handle the conversation more successfully.
A few points you might want to be sure to cover include reassuring your children that the divorce is not their fault and that you both love them no matter what. You may also want to tell them about what will happen during the divorce process so they can be prepared for what is ahead.
Do it together
Telling your kids together is another good way to help ease the stress of the situation. While spending more time with your soon-to-be ex might not be your favorite thing, it is important for your kids to know that you are both on the same page as far as your divorce goes. Telling the kids together can also help them realize that you will both continue to be there for them even after the divorce.
In this same thought, you should also tell all of your kids at the same time. You may also want to tell the rest of your family around the same time as your children. You do not want your kids to find out from a sibling or another family member before you are ready, so telling everyone around the same time might be the best idea.
Be prepared
Besides planning what you are going to say, preparing for your kids’ reactions is another good idea. Chances are, your kids will have many questions and thoughts going through their heads. You may want to prepare answers some of these questions and anticipate some of their potential reactions so you can ease the stress and tension your children may feel.
Divorce is an emotional process for the whole family, but there are ways to make it easier for everyone, starting with how you tell your family about it. Using these tips could help your kids through this difficult time.
