Separation and divorce is a difficult time for all those involved. There are so many decisions that have to be agreed, including telling the children.
Children have told us what they need during this difficult time and following these simple steps will help to reduce anxiety and upset for your children:
- Be as prepared as you can before you talk to your children
- Tell them what’s happening in a simple language without all the ‘intimate’ details
- Children often worry about the practical things, so make sure you have agreed who they will live with, including contact arrangements, before you tell them
- Reassure them that it’s not their fault and that you will continue to be their parents and be involved in their lives
- Most importantly, LISTEN to your children and reassure them that you are still ‘Mum and Dad’ and will continue to be a part of their lives
- Reassure them that you love them.