Skip Breadcrumb Links
How can we help our children understand our divorce?
Depending on their age, your children may react to the separation or divorce in different ways. It may be easier to help your children through this time and answer their questions if you understand how they may react.
In Section 2 of the "Making Plans: A Guide to Parenting Arrangements after Separation or Divorce" resource, you may find helpful ways to help you better understand your children's feelings and grief, especially if they are young, and suggestions about how to talk about the divorce.
Often children are unprepared to find out their parents are separating. To help you talk to your children and prepare them for separation or divorce, you can read the "What Happens Next?" booklet together. Reading the booklet might help your children to understand that they are not alone and it is normal to feel the way they do.
An online calendar is also available to help your children keep track of important dates and adapt to the changes in the family schedule. You can share this calendar with the other parent and your children to stay connected.
For More Information
- Making Plans - Detailed guide on the next steps parents should take following a separation or divorce. From the Department of Justice Canada.
- Family Law - Services and information about family law including divorce and separation, child custody and parenting, child support and spousal support, and more. From the Government of Canada.
- Helping Children and Youth Live with Separation and Divorce - A resource for parents on how to support your children and communicate effectively with your former partner during and after a separation or divorce. From the Government of Canada.
Last updated:
June 15, 2023
4006118