How to Talk to Your Children About Divorce

When going through a divorce we often worry about how it’s affecting our children.  How do we make this transition easier for them? What is the most important thing we want to communicate to them?  Our guest blogger reminds us of the importance of communicating love to our children.

Mommy and Daddy Still Love You!

Children whose parents are divorcing often take responsibility for the failed marriage on themselves. They surmise that the poor grade in a class or a misbehaving act has created problems between mom and dad, causing them to end the marriage. The most important conversation that parents can have with their children is one where they explain, “mom and dad are no longer in love, but we will always love you”.

If no other point is made with your children, it will be this one. Let them know that parents can and do fall out of love, but they never fall out of love with their children. Explain that the decision to divorce is between parents, and, although the parents no longer live together as a couple, they will continue to be there for their children.

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About the Author: Patricia Bubash, M.Ed., Licensed Professional Counselor and Stephen Minister has worked in education for over 30 years. Her experience with families has provided her with the opportunity to work with families on such issues as divorce, remarriage, self-esteem, ADHD, and other parental topics.