Whether you are contemplating a divorce, or are currently filing a petition, it is likely that people will have questions about your decision and may wonder what will happen next. Indeed, it may not be easy answering a myriad questions about your future from family and friends, but it can be especially difficult to do when children come asking. After all, kids are not likely to understand the concept of divorce and may be concerned about two people they love going their separate ways.
As such, parents should take great care in telling their kids about a divorce. This post will provide some helpful tips.
Come together to tell the kids – While you and your soon-to-be ex may not be on the best terms, it is important that the news about your divorce come from both of you. Having one parent break the news may bring serious questions about the absent parent.
Make time together special – If you have to relocate as a result of the divorce, you may feel like you are no longer welcome at the former family home. However, this does not mean that you should disappear from the children altogether. Remember, you may no longer be someone’s spouse, but you are still a parent.
Respect the other parent – It may be tempting to lambaste the other parent (especially if they initiated the divorce, but when it comes to showing respect and being cordial, it is critical that you avoid the urge to skewer the other parent. Remember, judges expect parents to exercise a sense of decorum around their children and to set a good example.