Divorce can be a difficult and painful process for all involved — and it typically hits children especially hard. Kids often blame themselves for their parents’ divorce and worry about what the future will look like. They might feel pressure to take sides or find a way to ease the tension between their parents. It’s important to be mindful about how you break the news to your kids and, as you continue through the legal process, make sure they don’t get caught in the middle.

That’s why this week at childmind.org, we offer guidance for how to tell your kids you’re getting a divorce. We also discuss how to support kids during the transition, with tips on how to shield them from the conflict. Having parents in two separate households can be confusing for kids. One of our clinical experts weighs in on what to do when divorced parents have different rules. But you’re not alone in this. We’ve included advice from parents who have gone through the separation and divorce process.

— Faith Wilkins, Staff Writer | ✉