Divorce. Impact on children

[JoBennett]

Our very close friends are getting divorce. Our children are best of friends and we are wondering how(and what) we should tell our 5 and 6 year-olds. Anyone?

[phil30k]

Children get scared by explanations that reek of abandonment or broken promises of loving each other because of the fear that it could happen to them.

Just say "they have more fun living in separate houses because they get to do what they want" and leave it at that.

[sonnie]

Difficult situation but agree with previous post don't tell them the full truth at their age. If you keep it happy and upbeat while having perhaps going to visit two homes the children will be less upset. There are many explanations you can give as per previous post but better than explaining divorce or don't love each other any more etc is too much for your childrens age. Over time they won't think about it and consider it normal or at least comfortable hopefully for them.

[micknlea]

Just keep it simple. Answer questions if you get asked, but keep them simple. You may find that they just accept it anyway.

[apservice]

I agreed with keeping it simple. They will know what is going on very soon as nowsday kids are smart...they know a lot of things that we normally don't at our old days.