Divorce is a stressful and emotionally taxing experience, especially when children are involved. In addition to dealing with divorce lawyers, child custody decisions, and the pain associated with the end of your marriage, you have to explain the situation to your kids and help them cope. How you break the news to your children is particularly important—to help make the conservation easier on everyone, follow the tips below.

How to Tell Your Children About Divorce

1. Prepare Ahead of Time

Sit down with your spouse and create a plan for the conversation, even if the two of you have trouble getting along. While it may be challenging, it’s essential to lay down some ground rules, so the two of you are on the same page when you tell your children about the divorce.

This will help keep the discussion on the facts of the matter rather than slip into blame and anger. If you need to vent about your personal feelings regarding the reasons for the split, talk to your divorce lawyer.

2. Present a United Front

When you and your spouse break the news to your children together, you are showing them that the two of you will always be a team when it comes to parenting. This will help your kids understand that they are not losing either of you, regardless of the changes in your personal relationship.

Tell them that the decision to split was reached mutually and that it was in no way their fault. Save fighting and finger-pointing for your lawyers.

3. Offer Acceptance & Reassurance

Like adults, children are unique human beings that respond differently to upsetting situations. Some might cry or yell when you tell them you are getting a divorce, while others may stay quiet or seem unaffected.

What’s important is that you accept their reaction no matter what it is and let them know that their feelings are valid. Be patient and let them process what you’ve told them, as it may take time for them to come to terms with the split.

If you need a divorce lawyer, contact Stephen G. McGowan, LLC in Dothan, AL. Dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for his client, this seasoned attorney has expertise in all areas of family law, including divorce, alimony, child support, and child custody arrangements. Visit his firm’s website for more information and call (334) 699-6688 to set up an appointment today.