Page Title

Positive Solutions
Mediation ● Counselling ● Training
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TELLING THE CHILDREN

It is most important that the children are given adequate explanation and full and convincing reassurances about their own
future.

Points to consider:

which parent will continue to look after them, feed them, clothe them etc;
which parent will leave the family home;
where the resident parent and children will live;
where the non-resident parent will live;
when the children will see the non-resident parent and how often;
what will happen about holidays;
whether they will continue attending the same school, even if they have to move home;
children can be scared of telling their friends. Explanation by parent that many families undergo those sorts of changes
he/she is experiencing.

Then:

reassure them that they will still be able to see their friends, nothing will change for them;
reassure them that their pets will be coming too.

REMEMBER

The situation of separation and divorce demands of children an emotional maturity that most are simply
too young to possess.

The more you, as their parent(s), can do to help them through this difficult and potentially dangerous
period in their lives, the better they will be able to cope in both the short and long term.

From: Caught in the Middle - Helping children to cope with separation and divorce.
Anne Charlish