We're going through with it. It's final next month. The kids are 4 and 7 and my wife and I keep going back and forth on how and when to tell them. I want to be honest but not scare them. Both of us want to stay involved as much as possible. Has anyone been through this? How did you approach the conversation? I'm dreading it.
I did this with my two and honestly the hardest part was not overthinking it. Kids are more resilient than we think. Just be honest, age-appropriate, and make sure they know it's not their fault. You've got this.
We told our kids separately and kept it simple - just that mom and dad love them but won't be living together anymore. The 4-year-old honestly didn't fully get it at first, and that's okay. Consistency and reassurance that they're loved by both of you matters way more than perfect wording.
Might help to have a plan for what comes after the conversation too. Like, plan something fun or give them extra attention that week. Give them something to focus on besides the heaviness.
You've got this. Be calm, reassure them it's not their fault, and remind them both parents still love them. Those three things matter most. Everything else is details.
Sign in to join the conversation.
This is heavy stuff. I'm not gonna lie, we struggled with this conversation. The 4yo didn't fully get it but the 7yo had so many questions. Just be honest and age appropriate. They're going to handle it better than you think.