Nevada Divorce Source: How To Tell Your Child(ren) About Your Divorce

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How To Tell Your Child(ren) About Your Divorce

Information Provided by: Lesley H. Stronach, Legal Forms - Pahrump

The worst thing to do is to do nothing. It is a time of great emotions for you which may include hurt, pain, humiliation, confusion, and a host of other emotions. Yet it is a time when you must deal with the emotions of your child(ren).

The response of your children may range from being pleased (in the case of abuse and/or long term disharmony) to shock and anger. Listed below are some guidelines for telling your children.

Who

Both of you is ideal. You should sit down as a family so all hear the same things and can ask questions.

When

The best time is a few days to a week before your physical separation.

How

Meet as a family
Be available and encourage questions
Be considerate and honest in answering questions
Do not get into blame
Do not discuss details of the other’s faults

Be Truthful

Do not use honesty as a weapon to hurt your spouse, but be truthful
Be respectful of your child(ren)’s love for both of you
Consider the need for stability in the lives of your child(ren)
The more information , the better. Don’t be so brief that your child(ren) try to fill in the blanks
Discuss what changes will occur, e.g., who will be moving, what you expect might happen
Explain that it is not their fault

What Not to Do