Telling the Children About the Separation

A child usually remembers the second conversation about a separation, when they ask what’s been on their mind.

A two-minute read, three things to try, for ages 5 to 11.

Where to start

Have the conversation together, in one room, calmly and briefly.
Tell your child they are loved and that nothing they did caused this.
Expect the conversation your child remembers to be the second one, weeks later.

The rest of the tip, and why it works, is in the library.

Source

Gingerbread, information on telling children about a separation

It goes with

When Parents Separate. For parents in the middle of a separation who are watching closely to see how their child is coping.

The first chapter you open here is free to read in full.

Free on this subject

Separation and divorce. What to do first, what helps, and who else can help. Free to read and to print.
Co-parenting. What to do first, what helps, and who else can help. Free to read and to print.

The rest of the library

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If you or your child is in immediate danger: 999 · Go to your nearest A&E · 24/7.
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If you are worried that a child is being harmed or is at risk: NSPCC Helpline · 0808 800 5000 · Mon-Fri 10am-4pm by phone; email 11am-4pm, seven days a week. An email sent when the service is closed is not received. · email help@nspcc.org.uk · www.nspcc.org.uk/about-us/our-services/nspcc-helpline · If the NSPCC service is closed and the concern cannot wait, call the police on 101. You can also contact the child’s local out-of-hours children’s social care, social work or social services team. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999.
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If you need help right now

Published by Kensington Square Therapy. Company No. 16707111. Written by therapists registered with the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and the National Counselling and Psychotherapy Society (NCPS). This page is not therapy, and not a substitute for professional support. The full library is at theparentbook.com.