Parents have a lot to balance when divorcing. You have to handle legal matters. You must deal with personal matters. You need to keep yourself together on a mental and emotional level, for your child.
You also need to decide how to tell your child about the divorce. It is better to tell them sooner rather than later. But are there any tips for actually breaking the news?
Tailor your approach to your child
Psychology Today looks at ways you can break the news of divorce to your child. There are some things to keep in mind first. This includes your child’s age, maturity level and personality. These factors will affect how a child responds to news of divorce. It also affects how you will want to approach the topic. For example, younger children may need a simpler explanation. An older child can handle more of the details.
Go into the conversation with a plan
The first tip is knowing what details to give. Children do not need to know every aspect of your divorce. But you should not keep them in the dark. Answer the questions you feel comfortable answering. Leave out information that may do more harm than good. Also, let them know what changes are coming. Taking the unknown out of a divorce can make it less scary.
Do not act in opposition to your co-parent. You should have the same story to tell your kids. Approach them together, not separately. Do not talk to them after an argument. They will likely pick up on the tension or anger and may believe you are directing it at them. Finally, reassure your child that none of this is their fault. Let them know that they will always have you and your co-parent’s love and support.
