When you make the decision to end your marriage, navigating the family law process can seem daunting enough. However, if you have children, telling them about this decision can add to the difficulty of the situation. Divorce is a sensitive subject, so it’s important to discuss this news in a calm and comforting fashion that is honest but age-appropriate. While every situation is unique, keeping the following tips in mind can help you guide the conversation without causing unnecessary trauma to your little ones.

3 Kid-Friendly Ways to Discuss Divorce

1. Do It Together

If at all possible, tell your children about your divorce with your spouse. By announcing the news together, they will be able to understand that it is a decision you both have made. The presence of both parents will help your kids know that you are still a family even if the marriage is going to end. Avoid unnecessary stress by planning the discussion for a time that is calm for all involved, such as during dinner or over the weekend.

2. Simplify the Situation

Regardless of the reason for your divorce, it’s important not to overshare details that can be confusing or overwhelming to children. Young minds may not be able to process the complex nuances of infidelity, for example, and may interpret the act as a betrayal against them. Whatever the circumstance is, keep the conversation focused on how this change will affect the child. Be sure to clarify that the decision is not their fault and that it does not reflect how either parent feels about the child.  

3. Encourage Expression

Divorce is an ongoing process, so you probably won’t be able to cover the entire matter in a single conversation. As the children digest the news, let them know you’re there to answer any questions or concerns they have, and that it’s okay for them to be sad or upset. Family law professionals also recommend discussing the matter together with a therapist. As an impartial third party, a family therapist is trained to address these kinds of sensitive subjects and can present information in a healthy way that kids can understand.

Navigating the divorce process can be challenging for families, but the professionals at the Law Offices of Larry J. Keller are there to help make the experience as stress-free as possible. These Waterloo, IL attorneys specialize in personal injury, divorce, and family law to ensure that you’re properly represented in court and that the results of your case are fair. These family law professionals also help simplify some of the more complicated elements of divorce, such as custody decisions and the division of assets. Visit this law firm online to learn more about how they can help you move onto the next chapter of life with confidence. To set up a consultation, call (618) 939-8999.