The divorce process is difficult enough without thinking about how hard it might be for your kids. There is no easy way to tell your children that you and your spouse are getting a divorce, and it might take time for your child to come to terms with what is happening. This is a big life change for everyone, and you need to ensure that you are continuing to keep the best interests of your child in mind at all times.
And since you can’t NOT tell them, you need to figure out the best place, time, and situation to tell them about your divorce. It may be rough at first, but when the time comes, you will know what to do.
Tell Everyone at the Same Time
If you have multiple children, it might be easier on all of them if you talk to them as a group. Speaking with them individually may result in resentment or contradictory feelings between the siblings. While some parents may think it best to only tell the oldest child, it would be better if they were all given equal and fair treatment. Try gathering your children into the same room and telling them all at once.
Don’t Get Your Kids Involved in the Divorce
It can be stressful for children to watch their parents fighting continuously. Long legal battles result in hardship and bad feelings on behalf of the kids. They don’t want to constantly have to defend one parent or the other, or have to choose between them. Try keeping the divorce process as simple and as short as possible.
Choose a Good Setting
Make sure your children are in a comfortable and familiar environment before you start talking to them about your divorce. They will be heavily impacted by the news, and you can’t predict how they will take it. The best thing you can do for them is to make sure that they are in a place where they can be comfortable while receiving this potentially bad news.
Be a Responsible Parent
You may want to naturally cast a lot of blame and fault upon the other parent, but the last thing your children want to hear is how one parent or the other is a terrible person. Take responsibility for your portion of the divorce, and explain it to them like it is a mutual decision that both parents responsibly made.
Consult a Family Lawyer Right Away
A family lawyer can help you communicate better with your kids while helping to mediate during custody battles. Our Rolling Meadows family lawyer represents the law office of Fedor Kozlov, P.C., and can provide all materials and resources necessary to help you get started through this difficult time.
