Talking with your kids about divorce

Divorce is never easy, especially for kids. It’s our jobs as parents to make tough choices and set an example for our children. This can include choosing to end your marriage to create a brighter future for the family as a whole. But how do you talk to your children about this decision? Here’s what you should know about talking with your kids about divorce.

Honesty is Always Best

Talking with your kids about divorce can be one of the most challenging discussions you have as a parent. How much do you tell them? When should you tell them? How do you answer their questions? Like most parents who are divorcing, you’ve likely asked yourself these questions and many more.

The most important thing to remember is: Honesty is the best policy – to a point. Of course, you want to keep things age-appropriate. Kids are more intuitive than we give them credit for. While they don’t need the sordid details of why the marriage is ending, it’s important for them to know that it is and what they should expect going forward.

Focus on What’s Important

As parents, our inherent instincts are to protect our children from the pains of the world. Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible, and we may even be the cause of some of those pains. We can’t keep everything painful out of their lives, but we can help them process and deal with things in a healthy way.

When talking with your kids about divorce, it’s important to reassure them that they didn’t do anything wrong. Be sure to stress that they had nothing to do with your decision to divorce. Kids need to know that their parents will still be involved in their lives and that they are loved.

Be a Parent First

Unfortunately, separating spouses can get caught up in the emotional aspects of the divorce and lose sight of what’s most important. Making the decision to end your marriage can bring a myriad of challenges. The collaborative process can help parents focus on what’s most important – the wellbeing of their children.

By working with an experienced team of collaborative divorce professionals, parents can get a better understanding of what is needed to effectively co-parent. They can also be better prepared for the challenges they may face along the way.

Choose a Collaborative Divorce

A collaborative divorce can help parents who want to help their children maintain strong emotional well-being as the family dynamics transition. This process also gives parents access to a team of professionals from various industries. These professionals can help with the challenges of talking with your kids about divorce and understanding how divorce may be affecting your kids.

While your marriage may end, you will always be their parents. The collaborative divorce process can help both parents learn how to provide a better future for the entire family – whether they are married to each other or not. From talking with your kids about divorce to parenting together and beyond – the collaborative team of professionals can help you support your kids and protect their future.

If you want to learn more about talking with your kids about divorce or the collaborative divorce process, contact Ogborne Law today!