Make Your Break Easier For The Kids

LISA SALMON finds out how to explain divorce to children - whatever their age

- Lisa Salmon

DIVORCES are decreasing in the UK but they still affect hundreds of thousands of children every year.

And that means parents separating have to explain what's happening to their confused and upset youngsters - often when those parents are upset and confused themselves.

So what's the best way of explaining what's happening to affected children?

"Divorce is a big change for the whole family, and it's natural for children to feel unsettled or unsure about what's happening," says Alicia Eaton, a Harley Street psychotherapist who specialises in children's emotional well-being.

"The key is to provide clear, age-appropriate explanations while offering them a sense of security, love, and reassurance."

And Celia Conrad, from divorce coaching platform Pivot, stresses that the impact of divorce on children can't be overestimated, as everything can change instantly for a child.

"It can deeply affect their sense of security and cause anxiety and distress," she warns.

"It's always preferable to tell the children together if possible, and make it clear that whatever happens they are loved, no matter how old they are. It's also important for the children to be told that the split isn't their fault.

"Parents need to think about how, when and where children are told, and what they are told, and make sure this is done in an age-appropriate way."

Here's how to navigate explaining divorce to children by age group...

1. Preschool (ages three to five)