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Amid the chaos and emotional stress of divorce, you may not know where to begin when it comes to breaking the news to your children. However, it’s vital that you breach the subject with extreme care. As a loving parent, this discussion is perhaps one of your most important tasks in the entire process. To ensure you help your child adjust to the challenging transition ahead, the caring team at the Law Offices of Robert B. Liotta, Esq. in New Kensington, PA, shares a few words of wisdom. 

3 Tips for a Healthy Divorce Discussion

1. Work as a Team

divorceYou might be splitting up, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still work together as a team when it comes to your children. In fact, unless there are grounds to deny visitation rights, from now on, the two of you will need to communicate effectively and with respect. Begin your path to co-parenting by talking to your children as a couple. Your child will feel comforted knowing that you can still interact with each other in a civil manner.

2. Take Your Time

If possible, talk to your children at least two or three weeks before the separation will occur. Unfortunately, some parents wait until the last minute, only to spend as little as a few moments discussing this life-shattering change with their children. While you might be busy, it’s crucial that you provide the space and time to develop a substantial, ongoing discussion on the subject. Choose a quiet place at home, and ensure no one has any obligations for the next few hours. Your children may be silent, or they may lash out. It may take them a long time before they feel comfortable asking questions—try to be patient; this is normal.

3. Reiterate Key Messages

Children of all ages may be tempted to blame themselves for the separation. To relieve this potential anxiety, reiterate that the decision solely involves the two of you. No one else is to blame. Affirm that you are still a family; it’s just that the family is changing. Tell them it’s okay to feel a range of emotions, and that they don’t have to pick sides. Their parents will continue to love them unconditionally, no matter what.

If you and your spouse are separating, and you need an experienced divorce attorney in the New Kensington area, the Law Offices of Robert B. Liotta, Esq. will represent your best interests. Their compassionate lawyers offer expert legal counsel and will guide you through every step of the process. To schedule a consultation, call today at (724) 334-9870. For more information about family law services, visit the firm’s website.  

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