Every year over one million parents have to talk to their kids about divorce. For each parent, the discussions differ, but the goals of the discussions are universal: to openly and honestly reassure your child of your love.

Divorce is painful and traumatic for all involved spouses and children alike. We all happily begin our lives together full of shared hopes and dreams and committed to a lasting and loving relationship. Yet almost 50 % of todays marriages end in divorce. How parents handle divorce, however, makes the difference in their childrens healthy adjustment or potential maladjustment.

Heres an example of how to begin talking to your child about your divorce.

Lets meet Brad: Brad is 9 many years old and an only child. Hes the apple of his mothers eye and dads best buddy. Brad is at the top of his class in school and participates in the school band and in the spelling bee. Hes also an active athlete playing intramural hockey and soccer, and running competitively. Both of his parents attend all of his sports and school activities.

One day to his surprise Dad takes him out after a soccer game and tells him "I have something sad to tell you. Mom and I are having a hard instant, and you might have noticed something wasnt right between us, and you are right. Were going to live in different houses and you will be spending some of the week with me and some with your Mom. I know this will be difficult for all of us. So we should talk about it openly together and about what were both feeling."
Discussing divorce with your children is never brain friendly. Here are some tips to help ease this transition.

1. Communicate with your spouse (partner