Some kids can struggle with the news and while you can keep explanations simple for younger kids, who won’t really understand what is going on, you will need to be extra careful with older children.
Don’t blame either side
Make sure you don’t place the blame on either yourself or your partner for the marriage breakdown. Instead show a united front so that your children won’t feel like they need to choose between either parent or feel let down by one person in particular.
Don’t expose them to negative interactions
Make sure you keep all forms of negative or heated conversations between your partner or about your partner away from your children. At the end of the day, no matter what happens in your marriage you are your children’s only parents and they won't benefit from hearing anything negative about either of you.
Be open and honest with your answers
Your youngster is going to have an awful lot of questions that they will need answering and it is important you try to be as open and honest as possible. They may worry about the changes that are going to happen, where they are going to live or changing schools and if you are unable to answer their concerns tell them you aren't sure. Never promise them that things will stay the same. The last thing you want is for your little one to feel let down when they do in fact have to move house or change school.
Spend quality time with them
Your child may be worried that the divorce will mean that they won’t get to see you or their father again, so make a point of spending time with them. Taking them out of the house and away from the situation can also help them open up about their feelings.
Keep things as normal as possible
It is important that both of you attend matches and games like you normally would – a divorce can make a child feel vulnerable and insecure, so try to keep things as normal as possible.
