If you and your spouse are facing an imminent separation or divorce, you are not alone. According to the Center for Disease Control, more than 800,000 adults divorced in 2016. Almost 50% of American marriages will eventually end in divorce. Therefore, divorce is a concept that many people, unfortunately, experience at some point.

As hard as your divorce is for you, it will undoubtedly be harder for your children. While you and your spouse have a clear understanding of the reasons why you are separating, your children will most likely find it difficult to understand why everything is changing and may even blame themselves. Therefore, it is imperative that you and your spouse work together to become successful co-parents so that you and your children can remain an intact family unit despite the two of you no longer being a couple. Fortunately, there are things you can do that will help your children transition.

Begin by Explaining What is Happening

Some parents may instinctively think it is better to delay telling their children about their marital changes. However, it is best for divorcing parents to, once certain, schedule a time to sit down with the children when tensions are low and explain the separation or divorce. Waiting to tell your children can leave them feeling blindsided. This approach allows your children time to adjust and ask questions. This is the time to reassure your children that you love them and that their places in your lives are not changing. This is also a good time to explain how the family’s living arrangements will be changing.

Keep the Normal Routine

Try your best to keep everything other than the separation consistent. Sports, hobbies, and child care should continue if possible. This will help your children feel safe and confident despite the changes occurring in the family.

Treat Your Ex-Spouse Like a Business Partner

This step is one of the most important for cementing a solid co-parenting plan with an ex-spouse. Even though this is an emotionally challenging time, try to remember that children observe and internalize negativity they witness between their parents. Never speak badly about your ex-spouse to your children. You should also make efforts to divide the time with your children reasonably and should discuss important information with your ex-spouse, including medical treatment, school issues, and out-of-town travel information. Whenever possible, attend events together so that your children can see you as a united front.

Allow an Experienced Divorce Attorney to Help

The Charles County divorce attorneys at the Law Office of Robert R. Castro have extensive experience helping people effectively separate and dissolve their marriages. You can get started today by scheduling your consultation.