Had the hardest conversation with my 5 year old yesterday. He asked straight up why mommy and daddy don't live in the same house. I kept it simple, told him it's not his fault and we both love him the same. But man, it broke my heart. Anyone else dealt with this? How did you explain it?
This is so tough. At 5 they just want simple, honest answers. We told ours mommy and daddy love you very much but we're not happy living together. It's not your fault. And we say it a lot.
Keep reassuring him that both parents still love him just as much. Kids that age sometimes think if parents can stop loving each other, maybe they'll stop loving him. Hearing it over and over helps.
It's okay to let him see you sad about it too. Not falling apart, but letting him know this is hard for you as the dad helps him understand his own feelings are normal.
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That's the worst question. I'm dreading this conversation with my 5 year old. What did you tell him?