For parents in Kentucky, breaking news of divorce to your kids is not something to look forward to. How do you tell them? What do you leave out? Is there any way to help mitigate the emotional and mental distress they will go through?
It is important to do what you can to tell your child of the divorce in the right way. Though it is impossible to mitigate all damage, you can limit it.
Plan what to tell your kids
Psychology Today has some tips on how to bring up divorce with your children. Their first tip is to make sure you plan this out well. Your children are going to ask questions. They will want to know what is happening. You should tell them some things. But they should not know every detail of your divorce. Talk things through with your co-parent before you dive into this conversation. Know what you want to say. Know what you do not want to reveal. Get on the same page about the things you should and should not discuss.
Be unified with your co-parent
Do not fight openly with your co-parent either. Also, do not try to talk to your children one-on-one. You should talk to them together with your co-parent. Presenting a unified front is of key importance. This provides your child with a greater sense of stability.
When you discuss why the divorce is happening, ensure that you do not blame your child in any way. Make it very clear that this is your decision and between you and your co-parent. Also, be open and upfront about the changes that may come next. Let them know what will stay the same, too. This way, they have fewer unpleasant surprises to deal with.