How To Explain Divorce To A Child

If you and your spouse are headed toward a divorce, there will undoubtedly come a time when you’ll have to explain this to your children. Use our steps below to carefully explain this process to them.

Table of Contents

1. Tell The Children Together

Consider the idea of sitting all your children down to give them the news together. One parent can do all the talking, but the goal here is to show that you are still a team. Ensure your children that your love for them has not and will not change.

2. Make A Plan

Before you have this conversation, practice how you will deliver the news of your divorce. Brainstorm some possible questions they may ask and how you will respond.

3. Keep It Simple

While telling your children of your plans, it’s crucial to remain calm. Be sure to let them know that although you and your spouse will not be living together anymore, your children will still have a home with each of you.

4. Don’t Give Reasons

Refrain from playing the blame game or telling your children why you have decided on a divorce. Make sure to always keep it simple when breaking the news. Choose your words very carefully, and make sure the kids know it’s not their fault.

5. Give Different Explanations To Different Age Groups

Any child who is six years old or younger will often accept what you have to say without giving them background or explanations. A teenager, meanwhile, may have already figured out that something is going on between the parents. This means you need to give him/her a more honest answer about the situation. In either situation, avoid focusing on the negative aspects. Instead, focus the conversation on your plans moving forward.

6. Tell Them It’s Okay To Feel Sad

Your children may have to endure watching one or both of their parents struggle during this time period. Make sure they know it’s okay to feel sad. You need to comfort them at this time, not the other way around.

7. Give Them Notice Prior To The Transition

Once you have begun making future living arrangements, you should give the kids at least two weeks’ notice before making the transition. It’s also important to reassure them that both parents will still have active involvement in their lives moving forward. Provide them with ways to maintain frequent contact with both parents.

8. Have Multiple Conversations

There will be many questions your children will have during this process. Some may seek reassurance in the form of multiple conversations. Others may be okay with just one chat. It’s recommended to take your cues from the children. Divorce can be hard on all parties, but if you handle it the right way, it will make everyone’s transition easier.

Attorney Arizona

There’s nothing better than the peace of mind you will have knowing you’ve protected your family at a time when they need it most. Let us help. Schedule a consultation or contact Ogborne Law, PLC of Arizona today.