Divorce creates a major change in a child’s world. Something feels shaken; routines change, and the sense of security they are used to may feel unstable. However, with the right approach, a child can go through this process in a healthy way. The most important message for a child is: “Your mother and father are not leaving you; they are only separating from each other.”
What should be considered?
- The situation should be explained in an age-appropriate way
- The child should clearly hear: “This is not your fault”
- Parents should avoid speaking badly about each other
- The child should not be forced to take sides
- Arguments should not happen in front of the child
- Routines should be maintained as much as possible
- The new arrangements should be discussed and clarified in advance
What message does a child most need to hear during a divorce?
“We are no longer a couple, but we will always continue to be your parents.”
When you provide this sense of security, children often handle the process much more strongly than expected.
Dr Mehmet Çolak, SpecialistChild and Adolescent Psychiatrist