Talking to your children about divorce or separation
It can be difficult to know how to tell your children about divorce or separation, especially when you may be struggling with painful emotions. It is helpful to remember that at any age, your child is likely to feel a sense of loss and grief. They may feel angry, guilty, sad or anxious, and they may take their feelings out on their parents. The links below include good support for you and your child or children, plus information on legal aspects and some helplines.
- My partner and I are separating and I’m worried the kids will suffer Relate has an excellent website and also run parent sessions in some areas with guidance.
- Divorce and supporting your child: Parent Guide
- Talking to your teen about divorce and separation
- Information about family mediation, custody and child arrangement orders
- Gingerbread: support for single-parent families with heaps of practical advice and a section on support for you and your child or children if you’re going through a separation. Debunks some common myths on what you should or shouldn’t do
How to support children through divorce or separation
This video from “The Parent’s Lounge” on YoungMinds explains how children of all ages might express their feelings and some top tips for parents.
My parents are separating or divorcing
- My parents are always fighting and I don’t have anyone to talk to
- Struggling with family problems?
- Dealing with Divorce and separation Find advice and support for young people on The Mix website
- Getting used to stepfamilies and second families
This video is from Relate – Jack explains how he was helped to come to terms with his parent’s divorce by having counselling.