Divorce is one of the most difficult topics to discuss with a child of any age. And how you break the news is dependent on age and how much the child can understand.
When dealing with toddlers, clinical psychologist, Dr Ian Opperman advises that they be protected from the gory details. He shares his top 12 tips for both parents.
- Act like a team
- Plan the discussion
- Stick to the basics
- Don’t blame
- Be age appropriate
- Tell the child (ren) it is ok to feel sad
- Focus on what stays the same
- Stress the love you have for the child
- Give yourself about two week’s preparation
- Talk to the child in small doses and be prepared to speak to the child again as this is not a once off conversation. This also allows for the child to express their feelings or ask more questions
- If the child has a good relationship with the nanny or a grandparent living with them, then it’s a good idea to involve them in the process.
- Talk about other divorces. This is to show the child that this happens and that it is normal.
