Where and when should the conversation take place?
- Choose a safe and comfortable environment where the children can react honestly and openly.
- Do not wait until the last possible moment; avoiding the situation may only further confuse the children.
- Try to avoid delivering the news when you are anxious or upset, as this will add to your children’s anxiety.
- Pick a quiet time in the day, with few distractions and enough opportunity for an unhurried discussion. For younger children, it is best not to speak to them about these sensitive issues when they are tired or cranky.
- Children are confused by separation and divorce – it may be better if you have a few shorter talks with them, explaining only the most important issues at first.
- The first conversation will be the most difficult for the family, but encourage and commit to further meetings. The children will have more questions as time
goes on. - Be with the children and stay around after the conversation takes place.
Who should talk to the children?
What if the children are in different age groups?
Where and when should the conversation take place?
What you should say
What you should not say
Next Section: Responding to Children’s Questions
