A lot of people get divorced each year. It has become such a normal part of life that a lot of individuals overlook the emotional impact that can be caused by marriage dissolution until they’re amidst it. We understand the challenges that come with divorce, including those that arise before you even take your first legal steps.
For example, merely breaking the news of divorce to your children can be heart-wrenching and has the potential to redefine your relationship with them for some time to come, especially if child custody is going to be hotly contested in your marriage dissolution. That’s why it’s important for you to do everything you can to break the news as easily as possible to them.
Breaking the news of divorce to your children
Fortunately, there are things that you can do to make breaking the news of divorce to your children a little easier. Here are just a few of them:
- Present a united front: If possible, try to tell your children about the divorce together with your spouse. This helps prevent your children from blaming one parent for the divorce and creating issues further down the road. It can also give them a sense that the family dynamic will still exist to a certain extent.
- Don’t blame: It might be hard, but try not to blame your spouse for the divorce when discussing it with your children. This can backfire and create resentment and make co-parenting extremely difficult.
- Focus on what won’t change: A lot is going to change for your children moving forward, which will disrupt the stability upon which they thrive. However, you can shift their focus to the things that won’t change, such as their schooling and extracurricular activities.
- Listen and be honest: Your children are going to feel a lot of different emotions. Expect that and allow them to feel the way they feel. Listen and be reassuring that you love them and that they’re not to blame for anything. Also, encourage your children to come to you when they have questions and, when they do, be open and honest with them.
There is a brighter future ahead
Once you make the decision to divorce and enter the marriage dissolution process, things can look bleak. Especially if your children get extremely angry with the situation. But things can and will get better for you and your family. To make sure that you protect yourself and your children as fully as possible, though, you might want to consider having a legal advocate on your side as you navigate the process.