New Jersey parents like you have a lot on your plate when considering the possibility of divorce. Your child is likely chief among your concerns. At the earlier stages of your divorce planning, one of your biggest concerns may be breaking the news.
You might think you should wait, but experts would disagree.
Why is it crucial to talk early?
Psychology Today discusses the best time to tell your child about your plan to divorce. In short, the sooner you tell them, the better. Of course, you should take their age, maturity and personality into consideration when deciding how and when to break the news. But generally speaking, earlier is better.
Why? Because a lot of fears children have about divorce stems from the shock factor and fear of the unknown. If you tell your child about a divorce right before it happens, you are setting them up to be unable to cope with the sudden changes coming their way.
Give your child time
The earlier they know about it, the more time they have. They can use this time to mentally prepare themselves for the changes that lie ahead. They can formulate and ask every question they have in mind. They have the time and space to grieve the loss of their old life and family dynamics, too. Experts say this is often crucial when it comes to accepting a divorce and moving on after it.
It also gives you and your co-parent more time to see what your child needs. Every child is different, and every child will handle divorce news in a different way. The more time you have to observe your child, the better you can support their needs in this difficult time.