Divorce in Golden and Jefferson County means significant life changes, not only for you and your former spouse, but also for your children. It’s easy to get caught up in the process, focusing on everything that needs to be done. It’s important that during this transition and going forward, you have discussions with your children about divorce and how these changes are going to affect their lives. Your kids’ feelings and emotional well-being should be of the highest priority. Not addressing this life event can have a negative impact on them, which no one wants.
Questions You Will Likely Be Asked by Your Children During a Wheat Ridge Divorce
Here are some common questions parents are asked by their child during the divorce process:
· Did this happen because of me? It’s heartbreaking, yes, but children tend to blame themselves when their parent’s relationship doesn’t work out. It’s important to reassure them that there was nothing they did or could have ever done that would cause this to happen.
· What happens to me? The minute you rock your children’s world with the news of a divorce, they immediately want information about how this will affect their lives. They want to know where they will live, who they will live this and how their lives will be changing because of the divorce. Have a plan in place before having this discussion. Be confident in telling your children exactly what their schedule will look like and how this will work. Having this info ready to go will give each child confidence that their world is not going to crumble around them.
· Why did this happen? While it may not be something that you fully understand yourself, what you tell your kids when they ask this question is vital. DO NOT blame the other parent or air any dirty laundry to your children. Keep it vague – discuss how sometimes relationships don’t work, but it’s nobody’s fault. It’s all about protecting your children.
It’s a good idea for you and your former spouse to discuss the answers to these questions together. That way, your kids are receiving the same information from both sides. Even if there is still some serious hurting regarding the relationship ending, it’s important to remember that you still need to co-parent and that is still your children’s other parent.
If you are getting a divorce, call 303-991-7600 for a phone consultation with an experienced divorce attorney from the Pearman Law Firm.
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash.