1. Don't badmouth or criticize the other parent.

Children view themselves as half Mom and half Dad so, when you criticize the other parent you criticize your child. This also applies to stepparents and other adults in your child's life.

2. Don’t share details of the divorce.

It is never in the best interest of children to be told information about court matters, child support, or financial concerns about your divorce. Children feel confused and caught in the middle when parents share too much detail with them.

3. Don't use your children as spies.

If you need to know something about your spouse, find it out yourself. Asking your child to spy on a parent puts the child in the middle and causes feelings of responsibility for the parent’s welfare.

4. Don't argue and engage in conflict in front of your child.

Parental conflict continues the cycle of children feeling confused and caught in the middle. Be supportive of your child and the stress they are under by conducting yourself in a mature manner around your soon to be ex.

5. Don't make your children responsible for making adult decisions.

Children should not be responsible for taking care of matters just because mom or dad stressed out. Make whatever adjustments you have to so that your child can be a child, with responsibilities of their normal age range.

6. Don't ignore your child when they ask why there is a divorce.

Not listening to your child and answering their questions sends them the message that their feelings don’t matter. Answer your children’s questions no matter how painful the subject is for you.

7. Don't withhold visitation to punish the other parent.

A child should have regular contact with both parents. The pain your child would feel because of the absence of a parent is not worth your need for revenge.

8. Don't try to buy your child's love.

Gift may make an impression for a moment but, your attention and love makes an impression that lasts a lifetime.

9. Don't forget to have fun.

Let’s face it, children are all about having some fun. Make sure you offer a relaxing fun environment. One in which they can let go of their worries and just be a child. Fun goes a long way in relieving stress!
 

Question: What Kinds of Questions Will My Kids Ask When We Announce the Divorce?

Your kids will have many questions. First and foremost, they're going to want to know how the divorce will affect them personally.

Here's a list of questions your kids will be asking about how the divorce will impact their personal lives:

Answer:

1. Where am I going to live?
2. Where's Mommy going to live?
3. Where's Daddy going to live?
4. Where are my brother and sister going to live? Will we stay together?
5. Will I have to move?
6. Will I have to change schools?
7. Will I have two houses and two bedrooms?
8. Where will my stuff go?
9. Do my friends know?
10. What can/should I tell them?
11. Will everyone else know?
12. Is this my fault?
13. Are you mad at me?

    Question: What Questions Will My Kids Have About the Parent Who is Moving Out?

    Your kids will have many questions about the departing parent. First and foremost, they're going to want to know where he or she will be living, and how and when to expect regular contact together.
    
    Here's a list of questions you can expect your kids to ask:

    Answer:

14. Where will he/she live?
15. When will I see him/her?
16. Can I stay over?
17. Will I have my own room there?
18. Can I leave some of my stuff there?
19. Will I have any friends there?
20. Can I still see my old friends when I'm there?
21. Will he/she drive me to see my friends?
22. Will he/she still come to my... (baseball games...soccer games, etc.)
23. Will we still be close?
24. Will he/she still love me?