Your children are going to need to know about your upcoming divorce at some point. You likely do not want to have this conversation with them until you are sure you are going to get divorced, but at that point, they are going to have a lot of questions and will need to know more about what the future looks like.
Many parents are naturally worried about having this conversation and want to make sure that it goes smoothly. As such, here are three tips to keep in mind.
Focus on an open dialogue
Remember that the conversation should be a dialogue between you and your children. Let them voice their concerns or ask questions. Give them a chance to participate and show them that their voices are heard.
Focus on stability
Often, children will have questions about what life will look like after the divorce. They may wonder who is going to stay in the house with them or take care of them. It is important to give them this information, keep consistent routines and work to make sure they feel like they are in a stable and secure environment.
Do not take sides
In no way should parents force children to take sides or choose between their parents. Ideally, parents themselves should not even express any level of blame. Instead, it is wise to focus on creating a united front, telling the children that you both still love and support them, and keeping them insulated from the adult conflicts that may have caused the divorce.
As you go through a divorce and the child custody process, be sure you understand all of your legal rights.