Honesty. Integrity. Finality.

  1. Home
  2.  » 
  3. Family Law
  4.  » Letting your children know about your divorce

Letting your children know about your divorce

On Behalf of | Sep 3, 2021 | Family Law |

Illinois parents might consider telling their kids about their divorce to be one of the hardest conversations they’ll ever have with their children. It’s important to tell your children about your divorce plans before they find out from someone else though.

Figure out what you’re going to say

If you have a decent relationship with your spouse, you two might consider sitting down together and talking through what you will tell the children. This can help you guys be a united front even as you’re separating.

Even if you and your spouse don’t get along or your spouse isn’t in these conversations, it’s important to figure out a way to tell your children about the divorce without pointing fingers. Blaming the divorce on the other parent is just going to hurt the children and make them feel unsure about what the future holds.

How to handle the questions

Your children will probably have a lot of questions about the divorce. You can answer as truthfully as you can while avoiding specific answers or reasons behind the divorce.

Keeping that balance of being honest and shielding them from adult conversations is going to be the hardest balancing act. You can be honest when you don’t know the answer to something, and focus instead on what you and your spouse will do to keep them safe during the divorce process.

Talking out a plan with your spouse can make things easier, as you’ll be able to refer to what you guys want to happen after the divorce. If you don’t have a plan, still reassure your kids of what will be done to protect them.