Telling your children you’re getting a divorce is not going to be easy. It is probably going to be one of the more difficult things you will do, but there a few guidelines to make this major life announcement a bit easier.
One of the most important things to remember is not to tell your children things they really shouldn’t know. This means keeping the blame and accusations out of the conversation. Don’t “bad-mouth” the other parent. Keep the children the focus of the conversation and how the divorce will impact their lives.
It’s best if both parents can talk to the children together, although this not always possible. Your children will be able to ask questions and get reassurance that both parents will continue to be in their lives. The kids will want to know who is living with whom and when they will be able to see each of you. Do your best to let them know as much of the details as you have worked out, but don’t make promises you can’t or won’t keep.
Make sure the children know they are not the reason you two are divorcing. Let the children know why you are divorcing, but keep it generalized. “We don’t get along” or “We just can’t live together” are answers most kids can live with. They don’t need to know all of the details – only that the divorce was not caused by something they did.
Do not tell your children until you are absolutely sure the divorce is going to happen. This means one of you is ready to move out of the house and ideally, it means the child custody arrangement has already been determined. This way, you can give answers when your children want to know where they will live and when they will see each of you.
When considering a divorce, make sure you contact an experienced Colorado divorce attorney. You will need advice in many matters, including child custody, alimony and property division. An attorney can help ensure your rights, and the rights of your children, are protected.
Source: huffingtonpost.com, “8 Tips on Telling Your Kids You’re Getting a Divorce” Michelle Rozen, May. 30, 2013