In This article

• Should You Tell Your Kids About Your Marriage Problems?
• How do we talk to our children about our marriage problems?

The author/counselor Melanie Hart of this article is no longer with MyCounselor; however, wanting to continue to share their expertise on the subject, we would like to cite, credit and thank Melanie Hart for their contributions to our clients.

In an ideal world, marriage would be continually blissful, and if there just happened to be a disagreement, it would be a trite little thing resolved in moments. Unfortunately, this is not the world we live in. In our humanness, we are guaranteed to face conflict at some point in time.

Conflict within the home, especially, can have a lasting impact on our children. How we deal with this conflict and what we choose to do with it can determine how our children are affected by it.

We can expect to deal with disagreements in marriage and have marital conflict; let’s define ‘marital conflict’ as an ongoing strenuous point in your relationship. Although we might have ongoing disagreements, many times we feel conflicted about when and how to tell your children about marital problems, or even if we should tell them.

Should You Tell Your Kids About Your Marriage Problems?

You should tell your kids about your marriage problems if the conflict has been going on for a period of time and it is disrupting the marriage:

• To the point of going to counseling
• Sleeping in separate rooms
• Moving to separate places

Parents often think they’re doing a service to their child by hiding everything from them and one day surprise them with the news of one spouse moving out. This can be earth shattering to a child. Imagine sending your child to school one day and everything is fine and the next day they need to face school with the news their parents are separating.

Talking to your children in an age-appropriate manner can help relieve some of the stress. They don’t need every detail but having parents on the same page with their children can be stress relieving.

How do we talk to our children about our marriage problems?

It’s important to realize that children rely on the home as being a stable environment. This helps your child thrive. Marital conflict does not mean you’re going to ruin your child, but there must be clear communication by parents.

1. Clearly Communicate That Your Child Is Not At Fault In Any Way

There needs to be a clear message from both parents that the conflict is strictly between the adults and that your child is NOT at fault in any way.

2. Share Details With Your Child In An Age-Appropriate Way, With Both Parents Present

Sharing with the child, dependent on age; fewer details when younger, more when older – the basics of the marital conflict, what you as parents are doing to work through it, and goals for an outcome.

This is best done when everyone can sit down as a family. When children can hear the same thing from both parents and have assurance from both parties, they are less likely to feel caught in the middle. This gives the child a sense of safety and security and allows the child to focus on their developmental goals – making friends, engaging in school and other activities – and not be consumed with the parent’s relationship. This is a vital piece for children.

Here are a few examples of dialogues for different ages (Remember, this is best done with both parents present):

Elementary:
“Susie, mom and dad want to talk to you about something that is going on. Mom and dad are having some trouble getting along and so we are going to sleep in separate rooms for a little while so we can work on getting along. This is between mom and dad and it is no one’s fault. We want to you to keep playing and having fun. If you have any questions you can ask either one of us.” (It’s best to have both parents talking during this discussion). “We love you and we’re so glad you’re a part of our family.”

High school:
“Tommy, we have something we need to share with you. Your mom and I have been not getting along for some time and are having a difficult time coming to a resolution. We are in counseling and seeking help so we can have the best marriage possible. In the meantime, we are going to be sleeping in separate rooms. This is not your fault or your brother’s fault. This is between your mom and I. We are here for you no matter what and if you have any questions you can feel free to ask at any time. We love you and we’re so glad you’re a part of our family.”

3. Allow Your Child To Ask Questions.

This is a scary time for them. By allowing them to ask questions:

• It reinforces that they are very much a part of the family
• Communicates they are not a part of the problem
• Shows that there is open communication

Your child may or may not immediately have questions. Let them know that you understand this, and are available to talk when those questions arise.

4. Some Parents May Face Children, Specifically Teens, Who Become Distant Or Annoyed With The Conversation As A Coping Mechanism.

This does not mean your child is disinterested but simply is using a defense mechanism to help themselves cope with the news. As a parent, be careful not to let this determine a response of ‘they’re not interested’, ‘they’re fine’, or ‘they don’t care’. None of those would prove to be accurate.

5. Don’t Make Promises You Cannot Keep.

For example, don’t promise your children that everything will be back to normal or that a spouse will come back home if they have chosen to leave. There is no way you can guarantee this, even if it is what is hoped for.

Being honest in an age-appropriate way with your kids will give them a greater sense of security than if you promise things you cannot deliver.

6. Put Yourself In Your Child’s Shoes.

If you were 6 or 8, 14 or 17, what would you need from your parents during this time? There’s an age-old adage that says ‘hindsight is 20/20’.

Your child may not know what they need specifically from you at this time. Help them put words to their needs by putting yourself in their shoes.

7. Keep Nasty Comments To Yourself.

They are not helpful in any way, shape, or form. They are destructive not only to the child, the relationship with the child and the other spouse but to you and your child. If the conflict arises to such a degree, there needs to be a clear understanding that defaming the spouse in front of the children is simply not okay.