Episode Details

Divorce can reshape every part of family life for kids and parents alike, from routines and living arrangements to feelings of grief, anger, and confusion. In this episode of Raising Us, Elise Hu talks with divorce parenting expert, educator, and author Christina McGhee about how parents can help children navigate divorce with honesty and stability. Christina shares insights from both her professional work and her own experience growing up in a divorced family. She shares practical guidance for talking to kids of all ages about separation, addressing and unlearning stigmas surrounding, and how to manage your own emotions first to show up more calmly and responsibly for kids. Throughout the episode, Christina emphasizes that while divorce can feel deeply destabilizing, it’s honest communication, consistency, and compassion that helps kids feel secure, loved, and grounded through family change.

Key Takeaways:

Divorce becomes an experience to carry throughout one’s life, not a single event to process.

Avoid vague words and use specific language when having conversations about divorce.

Manage your own emotions first in order to help deliver future conversations responsibly.

Own your mistakes by following up and being vulnerable when restarting a conversation.

Respect a child’s need to have one-on-one time with their biological parent.

⏱️ Timestamps:

Keep the conversation going at home with our FREE Conversation Kit companion guide: https://delivery.shopifyapps.com/-/86139b5c2f1126e7/47e73110cd426f47

Learn more from Christina McGhee: https://www.instagram.com/divorceandchildren

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