Children always want to see their parents together. Getting word that mommy and daddy are going separate ways can be tough to take.
You can break the news in a way that makes hearing it less painful. Follow the recommendations of family therapists. By doing so, learning of your split will create the least amount of trauma.
Prepare Well
You and your soon-to-be-ex are still partners, at least on paper. As much as possible, forge an agreement on what will happen during all stages of the divorce. Kids are prone to asking questions after getting your announcement. By hashing out details before sitting them down, you will have a bit of information to give them.
Remember that children of different ages are at unique developmental moments. Tailor your delivery to their current stages of growth. Stay mindful that some are likely to take your declaration harder than others.
Announce Together
When connecting with kids individually, you run a greater risk of creating misunderstandings. Squash rumors by making sure everyone has the same facts. Most of all, stress that the dissolution of your marriage does not impact your love for them.
Stay Civil
Squabbling exacerbates the hurt that children of divorcing parents feel. Set petty matters aside and concentrate on the larger picture. Of course, collapsing relationships often slide into conflict. Only discuss unresolved issues with legal representatives. Likewise, never speak ill of the other parent where little ears can hear.
When divorce happens, it affects your offspring as much as it does you. To the extent you can, work to soften the blow.