Dissolving a marriage is almost always an emotionally difficult experience, even if you and your spouse both agree it’s for the best. While a good divorce attorney can help protect your rights and negotiate peaceful resolutions to most problems, telling your children is a task you have to complete yourself. Talking to your kids about divorce is never easy, but the following pieces of advice can help you make it less confusing.

3 Tips for Talking to Your Children About Divorce

1. Avoid Blame

No matter how contentious things are between you and your spouse, it’s important to present a unified front to your children. When answering questions about why you’re splitting up, avoid casting blame on either one of you. Otherwise, your kids may feel like they have to pick a side, which can lead to lingering negative feelings.

2. Have a Plan

Upon hearing that you’re getting a divorced, your kids will understandably be worried. Fortunately, you can give them a little peace of mind if you already have a plan in place before you have the conversation. By working it out ahead of time, you’ll be able to answer their questions about living arrangements, whether they’ll be able to see their friends, and where they’ll go to school.

3. Remind Them That You Love Them

It’s normal for children to blame themselves for their parents’ divorce, so stress that your decision has nothing to do with them. Make sure you tell your children that your feelings toward them haven’t changed, and that a divorce is the best way to ensure the happiness of everyone in the family.

John Rorem is an experienced family attorney with nearly 50 years of experience helping Gig Harbor, WA, residents navigate the complexities of the legal system. If you’re planning on dissolving your marriage, you can rely on this accomplished professional to protect your rights and help you start the next phase of your life. To schedule a consultation with an attorney today, visit his website or call his offices at (253) 858-5358.