As a parent who loves your children, you likely find it highly stressful knowing that you have to tell your child that their parents are separating or getting a divorce. There are a few things you can do to lighten the blow and avoid stress.
One of the most important things you can do when discussing the divorce with your children is to have both parents present at the time. This will help keep the blame from settling on the parent who is absent from the conversation. It is also necessary to be honest and clear during the conversation. If you are certain the marriage over, being cryptic can give hope to a child. This hope can make it difficult for them to cope and come to terms with the situation. In terms of coping, it is also important to give your child time to digest this information. Divorce is a big life adjustment and children should not be expected to deal with it overnight. Once they are ready to grieve, know that this process is normal. It is ok to cry and be sad, and doing so will help your child know that they can openly grieve. This can help keep the lines of communication open and let them understand that they can trust you. Throughout this communication process, make sure to prepare your child for what lies ahead. For more information about discussing your impending divorce with your children, click here.
As you go through the divorce process, there are many ways to shield your child from the stress and conflict. Click here to contact a family law attorney in Vancouver WA who understands how important your children are to you.