Even for adults, the concept of divorce and the complexities of family law can be difficult to fully accept and understand. It's even more challenging for kids, who often struggle to make sense of what divorce means and the ways it will impact their daily lives. Talking with your child about their feelings, addressing their concerns, and answering their questions will help them weather the changes that divorce brings. To help in this process, below are three common questions kids ask about divorce and how to appropriately respond to each.

Questions Kids Often Ask Divorcing Parents

1. Did I Do Something Wrong?

Children have a natural tendency to blame themselves when something goes wrong. In a divorce, they will think they are somehow at fault, that they did something wrong to cause the current situation. This, in turn, can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, or embarrassment. If a child asks if a divorce is their fault, or if they did something wrong to cause it, assure them repeatedly that they are not to blame. Remind them that they still have two parents who love and cherish them and that the parents are divorcing one another, they aren't divorcing themselves from the kids.

2. Will Things Ever Be "Normal" Again?

In a child's mind, "normal" is usually a way of referring to the life they're used to, which is both of their parents living under the same roof. You can answer this question by promising them that, yes, life will return to normal, but it will be a new normal. Let them know clearly that you are all still a family, only a different type of family than you once were. Acknowledge that this might be a scary change, but remind the child that you and your spouse are there for them and always will be. Also, let the child know that all changes take time to adjust to, and things will become more comfortable and routine as time goes by.

3. Where Will I Live?

A child understandably wants to know how the divorce will affect their living situation. There's no one definitive answer to this question, as the details worked out between parents and their respective family law attorneys are going to differ from one divorce to the next. But be honest. If the child will be splitting their time between the two of you, tell them that. You may want to present it as they will have two bedrooms now instead of one, or assure them that they can bring their favorite toys with them, no matter where they sleep.

Family law attorney Stacy D. Fulcher of the Fulcher Law Firm has over 20 years' experience serving clients throughout the Stanly County, NC, region. In addition to family law issues, Attorney Fulcher represents criminal law cases, DWIs, and traffic violations. He is committed to fighting for you and the rights of your family. Call (704) 984-6060 or visit his firm's website to schedule a consultation today.