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#1899164 06/27/07 02:21 AM
Joined: Jun 2007
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My husband and I decided on getting a divorce. But we have not told our kids yet since we filed the divorce. I know that they have an idea that their mom and dad is getting a divorce.
I know that they are going to get disappointed but eventually they will understand. My soon ex-husband has another woman. It took me a long time to accept it but I had to.
Now, what do I tell my kids? How will I tell them? I read an article on explaining divorce to your kids but it seems that it is not enough. Are there any good articles you can share? Or some tips from people who have undergone the same situation?

Need your helpful advice,
Tess


It will end.
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How old are your kids? My son was 18 and I phoned him up and told him straight up, including about the A. WH also called and talked to him. He cried and it has changed his life but he knows everything. It also helped him to talk to WH's extended family since his main concern was being cut off from them.

The OW in my case has a 7 year old daughter. They brought her along on their dates and even had showers together in front of her shortly after me and the OWH were informed. She is now acting out pretty badly - I don't recommend this approach.

My BIL had this happen to him recently as well (his WW had the A and he moved out of their house). He has 3 kids - 2, 5 and 7. He gathered them in the room for a family meeting and told them. The 7 year old was the most upset and still wants his parents back together, but they have been honest with him so he knows what's going on.

Whatever you do, be honest with them. Totally honest. It will hurt your kids no matter how old they are. But it will hurt them more if they discover that you weren't truthful.

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I have an 11 year old daughter and my son is 9.
I guess your right. Me and my STBX had to be truthful on what really happened to us, to our kids. You are right they will get disappointed no matter what their ages are. We will just be more sensitive to them once we have told them about our divorce. Wish us luck.


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There's a great book called Mom's House/dad's house which can help you with ideas to tell the kids, as well as solutions which will work for your family with respect to parenting post D.
Also, I found a small book called "Speaking of Divorce" very helpful. It's in a Q&A format.
There are many great books out there, and in the library.
Good Luck. As you said, your children probably know more than you do.
There is also counseling for kids, and kis support groups including www.rainbows.org. Or look for some in your local area. Help your children process their emotions/feelings now so they can recover. They too will be mourning the loss of their family.


It was a marriage that never really started.
H: Conflict Avoider, NPD No communication skills (Confirmed by MC) Me: Enabler
Sep'd 12/01, D'd 08/03.
My joys and the light of my life: DD 11, DD 9
*Approach life and situations from the point of love - not from fear.*

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