When you and your spouse decide to get divorced, you may have many concerns about your future. One of your biggest concerns, however, may be how your children will react to this major change in their lives.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2018 in the U.S., 782,038 divorces and annulments occurred, so divorce is common experience for many families. To make telling your children about your decision to divorce easier, there are a few steps you can take to prepare.
1. Prepare a script
It may be difficult to relay your feelings and plans effectively if you do not prepare a script for the conversation beforehand. Sit down with your spouse and talk about how you want to break the news of your divorce to your children. Jot down a few key points and try to stick with them as you tell your children about your plans.
2. Maintain composure
Ending your marriage can be emotional, so it may be difficult to avoid getting angry, upset or irritated as you tell your children about your divorce. Try to maintain your composure and avoid placing blame on your spouse for the end of your marriage.
3. Provide reassurance
Your children may display a variety of emotions and have many questions about what the future will look like as you tell them about your divorce. Answer your children’s questions as fully as possible and provide reassurance that everything will be alright, despite this incoming change in their lives.
