The parents should explain the reasons for the divorce in a way that does not harm the parent-child relationship by cutting down the other parent. Parents should try to keep as many things, like bedtime, mealtimes, the home, and school, as routine as possible. The child needs to know that there will be some disruptions as parents struggle to set up two households. The child needs to know where the moving parent will be living and how often the child will see the moving parent. The child needs to know that the decision is final and cannot be altered by the child's conduct.
All children suffer some side effects when their parents are going through a divorce.
Almost all children experience a degree of loneliness and guilt. One or both parents may withdraw emotionally from the child. The child may feel forced to choose between the divorced parents. The longer and more protracted the divorce process, the more likely the child will suffer. Many psychologists believe there is a direct correlation between the length and degree of divorce litigation and the deterioration of the child's mental health.