Divorcing parents in Indiana have a lot on your plate. Not only do you need to worry about legal matters. On top of that, you need to prioritize your child’s health and well-being. It is often difficult to do this when working through the proceedings related to divorce.
One of the first hurdles you face is breaking the news to your child. How do you tell them about divorce? Can you do anything to make it less painful?
Tailor the talk to your child
Psychology Today discusses important tips for breaking news of divorce to your kid. Reducing the negative impact has a lot to do with your child. You can learn as many tips as you want from experts or loved ones. After that, it is up to you to tailor the advice to your kid. Every child reacts to divorce in a different way. Sometimes, you can get an estimate based on age group or maturity level. But what it comes down to is how well you know your child. Take their age, maturity level and personality into consideration.
Do not go in without a plan
Next, plan out your conversation before you have it. Stay on the same page with your co-parent. Present a unified front. Know what questions you will answer and the answers you plan to give. Know what questions you will not answer. You do not owe your child every detail. In fact, some things they are better off not knowing. But you should let them know whatever is relevant to them. This includes telling them who will move out and what their custody schedule may look like.
Above all else, reassure them that the divorce is not their fault. This can ease any feelings of guilt. That alone can make divorce easier to swallow.
