You and your spouse have been married for so long that you’ve fallen into a rut. The truth is, you have both been unhappy for years. The two of you chose to stay together for the sake of your children. Now that they are grown, it’s time to tell them that you and your spouse are getting a divorce. You have no idea where to start.
Telling your adult children you’re getting divorced is not easy. Regardless of their age, you may find that they act very childish upon hearing the news. There may be anger or lots of tears. They may demand answers to very specific questions that you should be prepared to address. That’s why you and your spouse should speak to your children together.
Your children need reassurance
Understand that your adult children may have trouble accepting what you are trying to tell them. No one wants to hear that their parents are splitting up. You can help them by:
- Reminding them that you both will always love them and be there for them.
- Refraining from casting blame on your spouse.
- Accepting that they will experience a lot of emotions, many negative.
You may have to answer the same questions several times as your children try to grasp what you’re telling them. Be patient and give them all the time they need – but be careful about what information you give out. You don’t need to delve into your spouse’s affairs, for example, as casting blame can create family rifts you don’t want.
When you are ready to file for divorce consider seeking help. Divorce is a big life change. You’ll need some guidance to help you navigate through the process.