Four Tips for Breaking the News of Divorce to Your Kids

Telling your children that your marriage is ending is one of the most difficult aspects of divorce. Depending on their ages, their emotions can range from sadness to anger, and anywhere in between.

The one thing you need to do when breaking the news of divorce to your kids is to do it with care. In fact, CARE is a useful acronym that covers four helpful tips for delivering difficult news to kids.

• C - Calm. Never discuss issues of serious importance when you or your children are agitated or upset. Always do it when you both are calm.
• A - Acceptance. Make sure you are ready to accept whatever emotions your children bring to the conversation, whether it is indifference or anger or bewilderment.
• R - Respond. As a parent, you need to respond to the needs of your children. They may need a hug. They may need you to leave them alone for a bit. They may need to speak to somebody else.
• E - Encourage. Your children will undoubtedly have questions. Encourage them to ask them without hesitation, and be open and honest in your responses.