Telling Your Child About Your Texas Divorce

 Posted on June 07, 2022 in Divorce

There is no denying that divorce is stressful, even if you are the spouse who wants to end the marriage. It can be even harder if you and your spouse have children. One of the most difficult parts is breaking the news to your child about the divorce. So many couples have a hard time themselves understanding why the marriage is ending and wonder how will they ever be able to get their child to understand why.

Sharing the News as a Team

Although there may be much acrimony currently existing between you and your spouse, it is critical for your child’s emotional well being to be able to put up a united front for them. When the time comes to share with your child that you are divorcing, it is much better to have both parents do it together, rather than separately. This will help reassure your child that although their parents will no longer be together, their love and concern for their child will always be there. Having this security is crucial in your child’s acceptance of the situation.

Ask Questions to See What Your Child Already Knows

There’s an old saying, “little pitchers have big ears,” that aptly describes the hearing capacity of children when it comes to things they probably should not hear. While you and your spouse may have thought you were sheltering your child from the arguments and issues that have led up to the breakdown of your marriage, it is very likely that your child has a sense that things have not been right. They may have even been dealing with their own emotional stress over things they have overheard or seen, but were not able to understand.

Understanding what your child may already be aware of can help you reassure your child that everything will be okay and that they will always be both parents’ number one priority.

Explain What the Changes Will Be in the Home

Although you and your spouse may be still working out the details of child custody, family home, etc., explain to your child what you do know. Share with them the things that will be changing (such as which parent will be moving out of the home) and what things will be staying the same (such as the child still going to the same school, participating in same activities, etc.)

Answer the Child’s Questions

It is important to answer all the child’s questions with age-appropriate responses. This includes why you are divorcing, although there should be no finger-pointing or blaming, even in situations where there has been infidelity or other similar issues.

Even after the “talk” is done, make sure to keep conversations going with your child, both during and after the divorce process. This will go a long way in your family’s healing process.

Contact a Texas Complex Divorce Attorney

If you have made the decision to divorce, make sure you have a skilled Austin, TX complex divorce lawyer advocating for you and ensuring your family is protected during this time. Call Powers and Kerr, PLLC at 512-610-6199 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Source:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/better-divorce/202002/how-tell-your-kids-you-re-getting-separation-or-divorce