How to Tell Your Child You are Divorcing

Making plans for divorce in Michigan can be complicated and difficult under any circumstances, even when you do not have children from your marriage. To be sure, finding ways to inform friends and family members about your divorce can be anxiety inducing, and there are particular people with whom you might not be sure how to best approach the issue. These conversations become even more complex when they involve your kids. When spouses plan to divorce, they often worry about how their children will react to the news and how to break the news. According to an article in Psychology Today, there are certain tips that can help you to inform your kids about your divorce. 

Tell Your Children Soon (and First)

It is important for the parents who are divorcing to tell their kids about the impending divorce. Accordingly, you should plan to tell your children soon, and perhaps before you have told other friends or family members, so that your kids will hear the news from you directly.

Make a Plan in Advance

Before you sit down with your child to let him or her know about plans for your divorce, it is essential to make a plan for the conversation with your child. Write down the key points you want to get across and consider any specific questions that you think your child might ask.

Talk to the Kids Together About the Divorce if You Can

If you and your spouse are able to do so, it is important to speak with your child together—to sit down together as parents and discuss the divorce. By speaking with your child together, you and your ex will demonstrate that you understand the importance of working together for the sake of your child, even if you will no longer be in a marriage.

Provide Your Children With an Explanation That Does Not Blame One Spouse or the Other

It is critical to provide your kids with an explanation for the divorce that does not blame or fault one of the parents. As the Psychology Today article emphasizes, you do not need to provide your child with in-depth specifics concerning the reasons for the divorce, but you should be able to say something general about why you are divorcing and that general explanation should not include fault.

Let Your Kids Know What Changes They Should Expect in Their Lives

You should plan to tell your kids about the changes they should expect in their lives, including the possibility of moving to a new home or moving between the parents’ new homes or apartments.

Let Them Ask Questions and Respond Honestly

Be sure to give your children time to ask questions, and provide them with honest responses. It is understandable if there are some questions you cannot answer because you do not know. It is more important to show the child that their concerns and questions are important and that you want to be open and honest with them.

Seek Advice From a Michigan Divorce Lawyer

If you are planning for divorce and have any questions pertaining to kids from your marriage, you should seek advice from one of our Michigan divorce attorneys. Our firm can answer any questions you have about divorce, child custody, and child support. Contact the Law Offices of Michael A. Robbins today to learn more about how we can assist you.