Divorce is never easy in California, especially when children are involved. It’s indeed important to tell your children that you are splitting up, but it can be hard to know what to say, and how to say it. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible. Here’s what you need to do.
Have a solid plan
Before you sit down with your children to talk about the divorce, it’s important to have a solid plan in place. This means knowing what you’re going to say, and how you’re going to say it.
Be honest
You must be truthful with your children when you talk to them about the divorce. They need to know what’s happening, and they deserve to hear the truth from you. Don’t sugarcoat things, or try to hide the truth from them. It will only make things worse in the long run.
Inform them about the expected changes
When you talk to your children about the divorce, be sure to inform them of the expected changes. This includes things like where they will live, who they will live with, and what their routines will look like. They need to know what to expect to prepare themselves for the changes ahead.
Create a non-blaming environment
It’s important to create a non-blaming environment when you talk to your children about the divorce. This means that you need to take responsibility for your part in the split, and not place blame on your spouse. Your children might feel more confused and upset if they feel like you’re forcing them to take sides.
Answer their questions
Be prepared to answer your children’s questions honestly and openly. They will likely have a lot of them, so it’s important to be ready for them. Don’t avoid answering any questions, or try to change the subject. Your children need closure, and you should do everything you can to provide that.
If you’ve already started your divorce process and haven’t yet told your children, it’s important to do so as soon as possible. This is a difficult conversation to have, but it’s critical. Thankfully, by following the tips above, you can make things a little bit easier for both you and your children.