Telling The Kids

Talking to Your Children about Divorce

One of the most important questions facing parents going through a divorce, is how to address the situation with their children. It is important that your spouse be present so you can talk together with your children. If a parent is missing, the children may be less receptive to what is said from one parent, versus both parents working as a team.

How Should I Talk to My Kids About This?

This difficult task will require you to work with your spouse before talking to your children to prepare for their questions and even emotional outbursts. You should have this talk with the children when nothing else is scheduled and at a familiar place where your children are at ease. It is important that your children know that you love them and that you will be parenting as a team in their new world of divorce and that the children are not the reason for the divorce. You will need to tell them who is moving out of the house but they will still be spending time with each parent. Encourage your children to ask questions and avoid arguing or blaming the other spouse while talking to your children.

If you are hesitant about what approach to take with your children, discuss it ahead of time with a therapist or trusted friend. There are also many excellent books written by child experts discussing parenting from two different households that you may find helpful. There are also books written for children about divorce.

Bivek Brubaker & Prescott

Here at Bivek Brubaker & Prescott LLC we counsel our clients to place their children first and to not use them as leverage. We can provide you with the advice and resources you may need to ease the transition as you move into your new life as a single parent. Please contact our law partners for a confidential consultation.