Children and Divorce Facts for families

Talking to children about divorce is difficult. Here are some tips to help the parents and children:

Don’t keep it a secret or wait until the last minute.

Tell your child together with a spouse.

Keep things simple and straightforward.

Tell them the divorce is not their fault.

Acknowledge that this will be sad and upsetting for everyone.

Reassure your children that you both still love them and will always be their parents.

Do not discuss each other’s faults or problems with the child.

Parents should be alert to signs of distress in their children.

Children will do better if they know their mothers and fathers will still be parents and remain involved with them, even though the marriage is ending and the parents won’t be living together. Parents’ ongoing commitment to the child’s well being is vital.

Source: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry