Divorce is a deeply emotional topic and, if you have children, explaining to them that you and their other parent will no longer be together will likely be extremely difficult. How you approach this conversation will have a major impact on how they cope with it, so you and your spouse should collaborate on how you plan to deliver this sensitive information to them. Continue reading for some helpful tips on how to handle this conversation.
Breaking the News to Your Kids
It might seem impossible to cooperate with your spouse right now, but it is essential to tell your children about the divorce together. Talking to them together will help you deliver the message that, although you will no longer be a couple, you will continue to be their parents.
Here are some additional tips that will help this conversation go a little more smoothly:
- Prepare what you will say: Before you and your spouse sit down with your children to have this conversation, you should discuss what you plan to say. You do not need to know word-for-word what you will tell them, but you should agree on which key points to hit. It would also be a good idea to agree on how you plan to explain why the divorce is happening. Consider keeping it simple and say that you are no longer happy together as a couple and leave out all the unnecessary details.
- Pick the right time: It is important to give your children plenty of time to process this information, so try to tell them on a Friday before the weekend. It will give them a couple of days to think about it and ask any questions they may think of later on.
- Give them the information they need: Your children are going to feel a little anxious about the future, so giving them some information on what they can expect will help settle their fears. Will they still go to the same school? Will one of you move out while divorce proceedings are still in progress? If you know the answers to these questions, share them with your kids.
Talking to your children about divorce will be a challenge, but you can get through it together.
Schedule a Case Evaluation with an Experienced Family Law Attorney
At the Law Office of Jody L. Fisher, our family law attorney is committed to helping clients navigate the divorce process. Backed by more than 17 years of experience, you can rely on us to protect your interests.
Call our law office today at (352) 503-4111 to set up a case evaluation.