Discussing Family Separation and Divorce with Your Children

As a parent, it is both frightening and highly stressful knowing you will have to tell your child/ren that you and your spoiuse are separating or are getting a divorce.

In this excellent blog posting, Ann Marie Termini gives six recommendations to follow to avoid unnecessary stress or create a loyalty bind:

1. If possible, tell your child/ren about the separation when both parents are present.
2. Present a clear, brief, yet honest explanation.
3. Give your child/ren time to digest the information.
4. Normalize and predict the grief process.
5. Keep communication open. 
6. Reassure your child/ren and prepare them for what lies ahead.