Getting divorced is filled with challenges, and you might not know how to discuss the topic with your children. They will have a lot of questions, and you should prepare yourself to answer them as honestly as possible. Before sitting them down for a serious discussion, review the following questions about the reasons for the divorce, where they will live, and how much parenting time you’ll receive.

What Will Your Kids Ask About the Divorce?

Why are you splitting up?

Sharing the details of your divorce may be uncomfortable, but it helps to have an age-appropriate explanation ready. Otherwise, your children may blame themselves for the separation, which can have a significant impact on their emotional health in the future.

Don’t place the blame on anyone. Let them know that divorce is a common occurrence and that some couples simply don’t work out. They might not understand right away, but give them time and be honest about the separation.

Where will I live?

Being able to offer concrete answers will help calm your child’s nerves, so it’s best to negotiate a temporary decision making and parenting time agreement in advance. Even if your divorce is far from finalized, providing a vision for the future will give your children the security they need during this time.

Will I still be able to see my friends?

Separating parents can be a disruptive experience for a child, so try to provide as much normalcy as possible. Whether they’ll have to change schools or see their friends less often depends on where they’ll live after the separation.

Always consider what’s best for your children when making any decisions regarding living arrangements. Staying in the same school district can make this transition easier for them to handle.

Will you get back together?

While no one knows what the future holds, you don’t want to give your children any false hope. If your kids bring up the possibility of getting back with your former spouse, gently remind them that divorce is permanent and direct their thoughts to building a new life. 

If you’re going through a divorce, the Law Offices of Lenkowsky & Fontenot will help you achieve the best outcome for you and your children. Their experienced legal team has helped clients throughout the Bullhead City, AZ, area since 1985 and has the resources to help with everything from property disputes to parenting time disagreements. Visit their website for more information on how they can help with your divorce, follow their Facebook for more legal tips, or call (928) 758-4815 to schedule a consultation.