Separation and Divorce are Tough Situations for All Involved
Talking to your children about divorce can raise feelings of apprehension and fear. You and your spouse may be on the verge of separation and divorce. It may even be another couple in your family or group of friends. And while divorce is far from an anomaly in our culture, it is still a subject requiring tact and compassion. This is especially true with children.
Divorce can be a heartbreaking, trying event for adults. This can make it extremely hard to figure out how to talk about it with your children. Margaret Zylka House, Attorney at Law, wants to give you some tips on approaching this sensitive, serious subject.
Talking to Your Children About Divorce With Compassion and Care
Remember, children don’t have the advantage of a worldview like many parents do. As parents in a faltering relationship, you have seen each other’s faults. You have watched the cracks forming.
Most children, however, tend to place their parents on pedestals. They don’t view your relationship as you do. Talking to your children about divorce will require loads of care and compassion.
To Children, Divorce Feels Like the Whole World Changes
The process of separation and divorce doesn’t just affect you and your spouse. The whole world is about to drastically change for your children. You can’t discuss this in passing.
- Make sure to set aside a special time and place to talk to your children. Create an environment where they will feel safe and free to express their emotions.
- Allow your children to ask questions. There may be many, and allow for them. Share the news carefully, being careful not to reveal “too much information.”
- Don’t expect them to process your separation and divorce immediately. It may take a lot of time, with a lot more discussions and a whole lot of love.
This Will Be Hard for Everybody, So Reassure Them
We’ve discussed options for the “how,” but you know your children. You understand the kind of situation in which this divorce discussion must take place. The hard part, however, is what to say.
Tell them the truth, and reassure them. Let them know that it is not their fault. Let them know that both you and your spouse still love them.
Everything that they have known to this point is about to turn upside down. It will be hard, but reassure them that you will be there for them, whenever they need you. Love them. Hold them. Cry with them. Let them know, beyond anything else, you are still with them and will take care of them.
Keep in mind, the talk with your children shouldn’t be your avenue to vent about the separation or divorce. There are other people for that: friends, family, or counselors. This is not your children’s job. It may be difficult, but take great precaution to not air your dirty laundry to them.
When You Need a Divorce Attorney, Call Margaret Zylka House
The process of separation and divorce is hard. When it affects you, you need a compassionate, understanding attorney who knows family law. Margaret Zylka House, Attorney at Law serves residents of the Connellsville, PA, area. You can rely on her expertise to advocate for you in divorce matters.
Margaret Zylka House, Attorney at Law is a dedicated divorce attorney serving Connellsville, PA, and surrounding areas. For a consultation, call our office today at (724) 628-4955. Check out our Facebook. Her experience can help you with talking to your children about divorce.
