Handling Kids Insecurities About Divorce

Kids may need reminders that divorce is about problems between grown-ups. Reassure them that all of their upset feelings are okay, but that talking about them with you or someone they trust can help. Not all kids react right away, so let them know that they can come to you when they’re ready. Keep having these conversations over time to keep communication open, explaining that problems between grown-ups are not kids’ fault, and adult problems are not kids’ job to fix.

You might also:

• Leave notes in a lunchbox or throughout the house describing things you love about them.
• Give compliments (“You are so good at sharing your toys with your little brother.”).
• Share reasons—big and small—that you’re proud of them.
• Thank them for helping out, for being kind, or for just being themselves!