How to Help Your Children Understand Your Divorce

By Sheryl Rentz on September 10, 2012

The decision to divorce is one of the most difficult and life-changing choices an individual will have to make, and the emotional toll it can take on a person can be overwhelming. However, if a couple has children, one must also worry about the emotional well-being of their family; as such, it is important for a parent to determine how to properly discuss with children this significant decision. As the concept of divorce will likely be difficult for children to understand, an article from KSL.com offers the following suggestions for discussing your divorce with your children:

• Be honest and open with your children. This will help keep the lines of communication open, but experts suggest leaving out the details. Simply express clearly to them that both of you will still be there for them and can count on you to be their mom/dad.
• Keep the conversation direct and age-appropriate, and remember to stay positive. Also, explaining the divorce using analogies may help children better visualize the situation.
• Give your child “permission” to feel any of the feelings they may be experiencing, and try as much as possible to keep them out of the adult conflict relating to divorce to lessen the emotional burden. Both parents should always be available to talk and provide comfort.
• After breaking the news of the divorce, keep a watchful eye out for your children’s emotions. Though your life post divorce may be hectic and you’ll be dealing with a lot of your own emotions, parents should watch for any changes in a child’s mood or behavior that may show he or she needs additional help coping with the divorce.

As parents, protecting the happiness and emotional well-being of children may be one of the most important jobs we take on, particularly after something as difficult as divorce. In order to safeguard the best interests of your family, speaking with knowledgeable Montgomery County, PA divorce lawyer Sheryl R. Rentz and understanding your legal rights and options can help you get through the divorce process smoothly so as to minimize the impact to you and your children. For a complimentary consultation on your case, please call (610) 645-0100.