How To Discuss Divorce With Your Child: 3 Important Things To Remember

Actor Govinda and his wife, Sunita Ahuja are reportedly heading for a divorce after months of living separately. While neither has made any official statement, in a recent interview, Sunita shared "We have two houses, we have a bungalow opposite our apartment. I have my temple and my kids in the flat. We live in the flat whereas he gets late after his meetings. He loves talking so he'll gather 10 people and sit chatting with them. Whereas me, my son, and my daughter live together, but we hardly talk because I feel if you end up wasting your energy by talking too much," 

One of the greatest challenges of getting a divorce is explaining it to your children, especially smaller ones who may struggle with the concept. It can affect them emotionally and psychologically. Here are three important things that you need to keep in mind:

1. Break the news as a couple
It's time to put your animosity aside and come together with your spouse to convey to your child that the marriage is going to end. Make a plan as to how you're going to break the news. You need to show your child that though you won't be together, you can cooperate as parents and that you and your spouse will continue to take active involvement in his/her life.

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2. Do not blame each other
Even if you cannot stand each other, avoid criticizing the other parent in front of your child. Playing blame games in front of a child can do irreparable emotional harm to him/her. So as a parent, it is your responsibility to make sure your child isn't involved in your conflicts.

3. Be realistic
When telling your child about the divorce, be honest and realistic. Keep their age in mind and avoid sharing a lot of details about the split. At the same time, do not give false hopes by saying that you will be together after sometime. They should know that their life is going to change after the divorce but at the same time assure them that they would receive the same kind of love from their parents. Prepare them for the change without being too emotional.