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The decision to divorce is a major one that will have a lifelong impact on your family. When telling your kids you're divorcing, you want to handle the subject with the utmost care and caution. You might not know how they will react, so here are a few tips to help you through the process.

How to Speak With Your Children About Divorce

1. Tell Them It's Not Their Fault

Kids have a way of blaming themselves when things go wrong. It's not at all uncommon for children to assume, on some level, that they are responsible for their parents' divorce, so you should do everything possible to rid them of this notion. Assure them they are not to blame in any way, telling them multiple times, if necessary. Not all kids will voice the fact that they're assigning the blame to themselves; in other words, tell your kids the divorce is not their fault, regardless of whether or not they say it aloud.

2. Use Age-Appropriate Language

divorceWhen having a conversation about divorce with kids, be sure to use age-appropriate language. The entire subject is likely going to be new territory for them, and you want to make certain they understand what is happening and how things will be changing. Never pull children into adult disputes; maintain neutrality, no matter how difficult it might be to do so.

3. Don't Overshare

Your kids don't need to know the dark and unsavory details that have led to your divorce. Resist the urge to share with them all the various and sundry events that have caused your marriage to break down. Older children might have more questions or want to know details; in these situations, it's up to you to decide how much you share—just be sure to stay neutral and don't assign blame or demonize the other parent.

 

If you and your spouse have decided to go your separate ways, let the family law attorneys at Best & Westover Law give you the quality legal support you need. For more than 40 years, they have been representing clients throughout the Kalispell, MT, region with personal injury, criminal, family, and immigration law services. Call (406) 752-8731 to schedule a consultation with a divorce lawyer, or visit them online to learn more about their practice areas.

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