Phrases you might to use when explaining the situation to your children
“Mummy and daddy have tried very hard, but we just can’t fix our problems. We both love you very much and we will still be your Mummy and Daddy, but we won’t be living together anymore.”
“Grown-ups have problems that they have to deal with, even though it causes their children pain. We are sorry that we are making you unhappy, but this change in our family will not change our love for you.”
“We know it is upsetting for you, and we also wish that this was not happening. You are not to blame, and it is important to remember that we will always love and care for you.”
“We will always be your parents, and you will always be our child.”
“You did nothing wrong, and there is nothing you could do to stop it from happening.”
“I understand how you must be feeling, but remember that the problem is between your mother/father and I. There is nothing you could have done differently to prevent this from happening.”
“It may be hard for you to imagine this change happening to your family, but together we will work it out. We will always look after you all, and will do everything we can to help the family get used to the change.”
“Do not be afraid to tell us how you feel or what you are thinking.”
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
