How to Tell Your Kids About Divorce

Even though a marriage ends, the relationship between the children and each parent should not. In some cases, the parents get so caught up in their own personal aspect of the divorce, they forget the impact on the children.

Things You'll Need

• Patience
• Understanding

Instructions

How to Tell Your Kids About Divorce

1. First and foremost, let the children know that they are not at fault. Make sure they understand that they are not the cause of the divorce.

2. Be honest. Answer their questions truthfully. You don't have to tell them every detail, but don't lie to them either. Remember that what you don't tell them, someone else probably will.

3. Don't make them choose sides. This will be hard enough for them. Making them pick one parent over the other only adds to the stress, and over time will foster resentment.

4. Don't use the kids as leverage to get what you want. It's not fair to them and makes you look like the bad guy.

5. Stress to your children how much you love them and how important they are to you. Spend extra time with them. Talk to them. Do simple things to reinforce the bonds you have.

Tips & Warnings

• Be honest.

• Always show the kids you love them.

• Let them know that they can talk to you about anything.

• Don't put the other parent down in front of them.

• Don't put the kids in the middle of an argument.

• Don't threaten revenge if you don't get your way.