Erlich Law Office

Call Today (630) 538-5331
Call Today (630) 538-5331
Evening and weekend appointments available
  • Home
  • Attorney Profile
  • What we do
  • Testimonials
  • FAQ’s
  • Blog

Divorce: When It’s Time to Tell the Kids

Denise Erlich Image avatar by Denise Erlich

Cartoon illustration of divorce

Timing and technique are vital when talking to the kids about divorce. When moms and dads manage these discussions appropriately, they can help protect their children from unnecessary stress and emotional trauma.

Preparing for the Talk

The memory of finding out about their parents’ divorce stays with many children for the rest of their lives. The shock and trauma that kids sometimes experience when they first discover their parents are divorcing may adversely impact their psychological development. By adequately preparing for the discussion, parents can help their kids navigate the substantial changes in a healthy manner.

The best time to tell children is approximately two to three weeks before the parents separate.

In preparing to tell the children about the impending divorce, parents should:

  • Try to talk to the children as a couple without anger or loss of temper.
  • Plan to have the talk at the beginning of the weekend to allow the children time to process what they have been told.
  • Speak to their teachers before telling the children so that they are prepared for any reactions the children might have.
  • Tell children the basics of who will be living where and explain that sometimes they will be with Dad, and sometimes they will be with Mom.
  • Be ready for any questions or reactions that may arise after the children have processed the news.
  • Have a second talk a few days after the first to discuss more details about the changes that will occur.

Children Need Reassurance from Parents

Both parents should work together to reassure their children as they adjust to the split. Children should be encouraged to maintain a strong relationship with both parents when possible. Each parent should respect the children’s relationship with the other parent. The children’s exposure to conflict between the parents should always be minimal.

Depending on their ages, children will have a different level of understanding regarding how their parents’ divorce will affect their lives. Children may react with anxiety, fear, anger, and sadness. Parents should watch for and address these reactions. Some children may be relieved upon hearing of the impending split, especially if parents often fought in their presence.

Share Button

  • Family Law
    • Divorce
    • Child Support
    • Child Custody and Visitation
    • Spousal Support
    • Post-Decree Modification
    • Order of Protection
  • Business Litigation
  • Collaborative Law

Categories

  • Child Custody
  • Divorce
  • Family Law
  • Infographics
  • Spousal Maintenance (Alimony)
  • Uncategorized
  • Visitation
Denise Erlich Avvo Rating Denise Erlich avvo review Denise Erlich Avvo clients choice Denise Erlich Avvo clients choice

Archives

  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • December 2014
  • Home
  • Attorney Profile
  • What we do
  • Testimonials
  • FAQ’s
  • Blog

Experience. Trust. Results.

Erlich small logo
Erlich Law Office, LLC
1 Mid America Plaza 3rd Floor
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181
Phone Number: (630) 538-5331
Fax Number: (630) 563-2424

Linkedin facebook

 

get driving button visa icon mastercard logo american express logo

Copyright © 2018 Erlich Law Office, LLC. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer | Privacy Policy

Site Map

LawFirm Websites by MarketJD