Having a divorce conversation with your child can be challenging. You may not know how to approach or handle it. Accordingly, you may make a mistake, including initiating the talk at the wrong time.
Although there is no perfect time to tell your child you are getting a divorce, some factors may make some instances be regarded as wrong timing.
Here is when to consider breaking the divorce news to your child:
When you are sure about the divorce
You and your spouse should be sure about dissolving the marriage before talking to your child. You don’t want to realize you can save the marriage after telling your child you are getting a divorce, only to have a different conversation again. This can confuse them.
Before one of you moves out
Talk to your child about your divorce before one of you moves out or to a different bedroom if you will be remaining in the family home until the divorce is final. Initiating the divorce talk after your child asks why one of their parents doesn’t sleep at home or in the primary bedroom can make your experience even more difficult.
Before they hear it from someone else
While informing someone else about your divorce, perhaps when looking for advice, may seem harmless, the news may reach your child. Your child hearing about your divorce from someone else may feel like betrayal. It’s important to talk to them before word gets out.
When there are no interruptions
You need an uninterrupted time to discuss divorce with your child. Thus, hold the conversation when you are not in a hurry to leave for work and when they have nothing to do, such as homework or leaving for school.
Carefully choose when to talk to your child about your divorce. You should also obtain more information about how to protect their interests.