Divorce can be challenging for anyone to accept, but it is most confounding for children, who often feel the changes more acutely as they attempt to understand this new configuration of their family unit. What can you do as a parent to minimize the stress on your kids and support them in their adjustment to this new reality? No matter how you may feel about your soon-to-be ex, leave the disagreements to the divorce attorneys—focus on the kids. Below are a few tips for discussing divorce with them.

How Can You Explain Divorce to Your Children?

1. Tell Them Together

Sit down with your spouse and tell the children together. This presents a united front and shows the kids that they still have two parents who love and support them, despite the changes at hand. Do not start squabbling with your spouse or blaming them for the failure of the marriage; these are adult issues that don't involve the kids. For the duration of the conversation, keep the attention on the children and their needs. Remind them that they have two parents who love them.

2. Inform Them About All Logistical Changes

Your kids may have a lot of questions about how the divorce will affect their everyday lives. Will they have to move and go to a different school? Which parent will be moving out, and where will that parent live? How often will they see that parent? Try to answer these questions to the best of your ability; aspects like child custody schedules may need to be worked out later with your divorce attorneys, but provide as many answers as you can. Let the children know that while everything may be changing, they will always have their family there for them.

3. Encourage Feelings

Don't try to censor the kids' feelings or dictate to them how they should feel. If they need to cry, let them cry. If they get angry, help them express that anger in healthy ways, like through physical exercise, hitting a pillow, or ripping up paper. If they are scared, encourage them to share their fears. But no matter how they react, tell them—repeatedly, if necessary—that it isn’t their fault and that this was a decision between you and your spouse.

The divorce attorneys at LaRowe Gerlach Taggart LLP are here to help your family navigate the changes that divorce brings. For over 35 years, they have been representing clients throughout the Reedsburg, WI, area. They also offer services in personal injury claims, criminal law cases, bankruptcies, estate planning, and other legal matters. Call (608) 524-8231 or visit them online to schedule a consultation with a divorce attorney today.