If you and your spouse have decided to end your marriage, you may have many concerns about dividing your property, surviving financially on one income and learning to be single again. But one of your biggest concerns may be how your children will react to the news of your divorce.
Although the Institute for Family Studies states that in the U.S., the divorce rate is at a 50-year low, many couples with children still deal with the challenges of divorce. The following strategies can help you plan for and get through the conversation where you tell your children about your plans to divorce.
Plan in advance
Telling your children about your plans to divorce is an important conversation, so you should properly prepare. Choose a time where your whole family can be together that does not conflict with any major events, like a birthday, and plan out what you and your spouse will say.
Give as much information as you can
Your children will likely have many questions about what their life will look like going forward. Answer your children’s questions as honestly as you can, even if you do not have complete answers right now.
Provide plenty of reassurance
Your children may feel scared, nervous, overwhelmed and even angry about what lies ahead. In the days following this conversation, provide your children with as much reassurance and attention as possible.
Your children may not react how you expect they will to the news of your divorce. Allow your children to work through their emotions and continue to provide support, reassurance and love at this time.