When you and your spouse in Kentucky decide to file for divorce, telling your children about the breakup can be more difficult than the divorce itself. If your children are a certain age, they might not even know what’s going on. However, it’s important to talk to your children and explain the situation in a way that they can understand, so you can adequately address their concerns.
How do you talk to your kids about divorce?
How you talk to your kids about divorce mostly depends on their age. If they’re still a toddler, you’ll need to explain the situation as simply as possible without giving them all the details. You can simply explain to them that their parents will be living in separate houses but still take care of them as best they can. At that age, the child will probably have trivial concerns and won’t really understand what’s going on.
If your children are older, they’ll be able to understand the situation more clearly, although they still might not have the full picture. You should encourage them to talk about their feelings and reassure their fears as much as possible. They might blame one parent for the split, so don’t take it personally if they jump to conclusions. They don’t have the ability to understand the nuances of divorce.
If your children are preteens, you’ll be able to have more complex conversations with them about the situation. They might be angry or hostile, so be prepared for negative interactions. They might also find it hard to adapt to a new child custody situation. Try to communicate with them as much as possible and talk to them about their fears and concerns.
Where can you go for help during a divorce?
Divorce is never easy, but an attorney could make the process bearable. Your attorney could help you with a wide range of issues, from drafting the initial petition to negotiating during the divorce to figuring out who pays child support. They could also help you make the best decisions for your children during this difficult time.
