As parents who have decided to divorce, you have more on your plate than a childless couple from the start. For example, one of the first things you want to do is figure out how to break the news to your kid.
There is plenty of advice about how to handle discussing heavy topics with children, including divorce between parents. But is there a right way to go about it?
Working together to help your child cope
Psychology Today offers tips on breaking the news. There is no single “right way” to do it, first and foremost. Every child is different and you know your child better than anyone else. Thus, you want to take the advice you get and tailor it to suit how your child tends to react to things.
There are some things you can do to make it easier, though. Most children will have a better time coping if you and your co-parent work together throughout the divorce process. This reassures them that you will continue to work together to support and love them no matter what happens. It also shows them your maturity and ability to cooperate in situations of high stress, which adds to your reliability as parental figures.
Planning for discussions in advance
Cooperating also gives you and your co-parent a chance to walk through important conversations before you have them. This lets you prepare for potential questions that might get asked and decide what information you are willing to share and what you would rather leave out.
By following these steps, you can make the transition an easier one. That way, you can save the bulk of your focus and energy for the divorce itself.