Many challenges come with ending a marriage, but as a parent, nothing is more complicated than telling the kids you’re filing for divorce. It’s an emotional conversation that you shouldn’t take lightly. Although the news is never easy for children to hear, the right delivery makes it more bearable to cope with. Here are a few tips for approaching the discussion in a manner that will help ease their stress over the situation.

How to Talk About Filing for Divorce With Your Children

1. Tell Them Together 

If possible, you and your spouse should talk to your kids together. Doing so allows them to see that you plan to continue to parent as a team even though you’ll no longer be married. It will also prevent them from feeling like they’re in the middle of your relationship and have to choose sides. When parents back one another up and show a united front, it helps to alleviate the anxiety children have over what’s going to happen next.

2. Be Honest

While kids don’t need to know every detail of why you’re filing for divorce, it’s essential to be honest about the information you give them. Be upfront about what will change so they gain clarity on how their new home life will be. Use clear, direct language that is age-appropriate to avoid making things confusing or giving them false hope. It helps to plan out ahead of time what you are and aren’t going to say.

3. Provide Reassurance

Regardless of how old they are, children tend to feel responsible when their parents split. What your kids will need to hear is a reassurance that they aren’t to blame for your separation, and both parents still love them. Explain that there is nothing they could do to keep your marriage from ending and make a conscious effort to show them each of you will remain a substantial part of their life.

Navigating a divorce is complicated for the entire family, but fortunately, you don’t have to go through it alone. The legal team at Lonneman & McMahan PLLC has nearly 40 years of experience handling family law matters and will provide you with unwavering support and representation throughout the process of filing for divorce. They are dedicated to protecting the rights of residents throughout Hardin County, KY, and the surrounding communities and work diligently to reach a favorable outcome to your case. Call (270) 765-2190 to schedule a consultation or visit their website for more information on their services.