My 7 year old asked me why mommy and daddy don't live together anymore. I kept it simple and honest - we love him very much but sometimes grown-ups decide they're better as friends than married partners. But man, it was hard not to go into what really happened. Any advice from guys who've been through this? How much detail is too much at different ages?
You handled that perfectly, man. Keeping it simple and honest is exactly right - kids don't need all the adult stuff, just reassurance that both parents love them. That's the foundation.
Keeping it simple and honest is definitely the right call at that age. Seven year olds don't need all the details, just reassurance that both parents still love him and it's not his fault.
Did he ask follow up questions or did he seem satisfied with the explanation? I always wonder what kids are actually thinking after those conversations.
The not badmouthing the other parent thing is so important. I know it's hard sometimes but your kid needs to feel like both his parents are good people even if they couldn't make the relationship work.
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Been through something similar and the key is doing exactly what you did - no bashing, just facts and love. Four kids here and I learned real quick that they just need to know they're not the reason.