How do you tell your 7 year old you are getting divorced?

How to break the news to your school-age kid
  • Tell her together. ...
  • Keep it simple. ...
  • Tell your child that it's not his fault. ...
  • Avoid the blame game. ...
  • Spare your child the details.


How do you explain divorce to a 7 year old?

Divorce means we won't be married to each other anymore, but we still love you and we will be your parents forever. That hasn't changed. That will never change. Even though mom and dad won't be part of the same family, you and dad/mom will always be family, and you and me will always be family.

How do I prepare my 7 year old for divorce?

This Is How To Prepare Kids For Their Parents' Divorce
  1. Do a “dress rehearsal” before you tell your kids. ...
  2. Anticipate – and prepare for – delayed reactions. ...
  3. Focus on what will stay the same. ...
  4. Tell them it's okay to talk about it – but don't push them. ...
  5. Reassure kids it's not their fault. ...
  6. Read more:


How do you tell your kids you are getting a divorce?

How to Tell Your Kids You're Filing for a Separation or Divorce
  1. Tell them the truth. While you are entitled to your privacy, they will likely want to know why you are divorcing. ...
  2. Remind them that you love them. ...
  3. Prepare them for changes. ...
  4. Point out what won't change. ...
  5. Listen. ...
  6. Avoid placing blame. ...
  7. Avoid arguing.


When to tell your child you're getting a divorce?

Children need to talk about this, and they need to hear about it. Even if they say they don't want to do either. Tell children approximately 2-3 weeks prior to separation. Have a plan – at least the basics – before you tell them.


Talking to children about separation and divorce



What age is divorce hardest for kids?

Elementary school age (6–12) This is arguably the toughest age for children to deal with the separation or divorce of their parents. That's because they're old enough to remember the good times (or good feelings) from when you were a united family.

How does divorce affect 6 year olds?

Emotional Impact of Divorce

Young children often struggle to understand why they must go between two homes. They may worry that if their parents can stop loving one another that someday, their parents may stop loving them. Grade school children may worry that the divorce is their fault.

Is it better to stay together for a child?

Is it always best to stay together for the kids? The short-term answer is usually yes. Children thrive in predictable, secure families with two parents who love them and love each other. Separation is unsettling, stressful, and destabilizing unless there is parental abuse or conflict.


Will my kids be OK if we divorce?

Research shows that about 80 percent of children of divorce adapt well and see no lasting negative effects on their grades, social adjustment, or mental health.

What not to say to kids during divorce?

Here are 10 things not to tell your children during a divorce.
  • Don't Tell Lies.
  • But Don't Speak Unguarded Truth Either.
  • Don't Argue in Front of Your Children.
  • Don't Be Too Pushy.
  • Don't Hinder Expression.
  • Don't Use Your Kids for Intel.
  • Don't Tell or Infer that Children are a Reason the Marriage Broke Down.


What are the positive effects of divorce on a child?

The Positive Effects of Divorce on Children
  • Children are exposed to less conflict and aggression when their Parents Divorce. ...
  • Children can learn healthy communication skills from their divorced parents. ...
  • Children have more opportunities for one-on-one time with their parents after divorce.


What damage does divorce do to a child?

Feelings of loss, anger, confusion, anxiety, and many others, all may come from this transition. Divorce can leave children feeling overwhelmed and emotionally sensitive. Children need an outlet for their emotions – someone to talk to, someone who will listen, etc.

How do you have a smooth divorce with kids?

9 Ways To Make Divorce Easier On Kids
  1. Think about how you'll tell them. ...
  2. Keep conflict low. ...
  3. When the kids are around, avoid emotional topics. ...
  4. Try to find common ground. ...
  5. Show your kids you're still there for them. ...
  6. Care for your child together when possible.


What age is easiest for kids to deal with divorce?

Toddlers and Infants Have Memories

Oftentimes, people say the best age for a child to go through a divorce is when they are young. Kids who are three or under don't have much cognitive function yet and won't have fond memories of parents that are together.


How long does it take a child to adjust to divorce?

Divorce can be a traumatic experience for children, but research suggests that most children adjust well within two years following the divorce; on the other hand, children often experience more problems when parents remain in high-conflict marriages instead of splitting up.

Should I stay in an unhappy marriage for my children?

The short-term answer is usually yes. Children thrive in predictable, secure families with two parents who love them and love each other. Separation is unsettling, stressful, and destabilizing unless there is parental abuse or conflict. In the long term, however, divorce can lead to happier outcomes for children.

What parents should not do when divorced?

10 Things Divorcing Parents Should Avoid With Their Children
  1. Don't speak negatively about your spouse. ...
  2. Don't put your children in the middle. ...
  3. Don't ignore verbal and physical signs from your children. ...
  4. Don't keep your children in the dark but don't tell them too much, either. ...
  5. Don't vent to your children.


Is it better to divorce than stay in an unhappy marriage for kids?

Studies also have shown that children do better when their parents get divorced, in comparison to their parents living together in a continuous state of conflict, instability, argumentation, hatred, and uncertainty. There is no easy answer. There is no simple answer. However, there may be an acceptable solution.

What are the signs of a unhappy marriage?

8 Signs of an Unhappy Marriage That Could Lead to Divorce
  • You Hardly Communicate Anymore. ...
  • There is Little to No Intimacy. ...
  • You Would Rather Spend Time With Your Friends Than be at Home With Your Partner. ...
  • Everything They Do Irritates You. ...
  • There is Emotional Withdrawal. ...
  • Both of you Have Differing Values, Beliefs, and Goals.


Are kids happier with or without siblings?

Happiness in children declines once there are more siblings in the home, an Understanding Society research study has found.


How do I tell my 6 year old about divorce?

How to break the news to your school-age kid
  1. Tell her together. ...
  2. Keep it simple. ...
  3. Tell your child that it's not his fault. ...
  4. Avoid the blame game. ...
  5. Spare your child the details.


At what age do most couples divorce?

The average age for couples going through their first divorce is 30 years old. 24. 60 percent of all divorces involve individuals aged 25 to 39.

What makes divorce easier on kids?

Tips for Making Divorce Easier on Kids

Be honest with your children, but don't feel obligated to share everything. Save the emotional or contentious discussions with your spouse for when your children are not around. Avoid negative talk about your spouse in front of your children.


What does divorce do to a child's brain?

Research has documented that parental divorce/separation is associated with an increased risk for child and adolescent adjustment problems, including academic difficulties (e.g., lower grades and school dropout), disruptive behaviors (e.g., conduct and substance use problems), and depressed mood2.

What to say when your child asks why you got divorced?

Don't Be Too Specific. If your children ask why you got divorced, tell them the truth without being overly specific. You might say, “Mommy and Daddy were fighting too much,” but you don't need to tell them what you were fighting about.