4 Tips for Talking to Your Children About Your Texas Divorce

 Posted on March 23, 2024 in Divorce

Divorce can be difficult for anyone to experience. It can certainly be hard for the spouses, as they are dealing with the breakup of a committed relationship while also needing to negotiate the terms. It can also be difficult for their children who might feel they had no say in the matter even though it affects their lives too. This article will offer some tips for navigating how to talk about this transition with your children. If you have more specific questions, a skilled San Antonio, TX divorce attorney can offer further guidance.

Tip 1: Be Honest and Transparent

When speaking with your children about your divorce, it is crucial that you are as honest and transparent as you can be. Of course, you need to take into account what is age-appropriate for them. Children can tell when something is being hidden from them. Be honest but sensitive about what this will mean for your family - that you will no longer be one family unit but will live separately, but that you and their other parent love them and are committed to doing whatever you both can to make this transition as smooth as possible for everyone. Make sure they know that this is not their fault and that they are as loved as ever.

Tip 2: Listen to Them and Validate Them

Your children might not share any emotions per se but might tell you stories that can shed some light on their feelings. On the other hand, they might be feeling a variety of emotions along with a sense of being unsure how to navigate them. Let them know that they can tell you anything. Do not interrupt them and let them express what they are feeling, and when they have said what they want to say, make sure to let them know that their feelings are valid and make sense in this situation. This will help them feel like they are being seen and heard.

Tip 3: Get Professional Advice

Family therapy might be a good step, as it can give you and your children the tools you can all use as you navigate this transition period together, along with all the challenges that it brings. Therapy can also help encourage healthy and productive communication, which can help the entire family deal with the divorce together.

Tip 4: If Possible, Present a United Front

If you and your spouse are able to work together for your children’s sake, it can be excellent for them to see you working as a team. Going through the process of ending your marriage does not mean that you cannot be “teammates” working toward the goal of raising your children in a healthy and happy environment. If your children see that the decision was mutual, that neither of their parents is the “bad guy,” and that both truly love and care for them, it can help tremendously.

Speak with a Bexar County, TX Divorce Attorney

If you and your spouse are headed toward divorce, an experienced San Antonio, TX divorce lawyer can offer invaluable guidance as you navigate this process as a family. Call 210-201-3832 to speak with one of the knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys at Brandon Wong & Associates so we can get started on your case.