The Challenges of Divorce

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Talk about money honestly with kids using age-appropriate language and examples.

Set clear expectations at home about spending changes and adjustments.

Involve children in budgeting and household tasks to create stability.

One of the most common emotions divorced parents experience, especially the spouse who was the lower- or non-earning spouse during the marriage, is tension around money. Whether there’s not enough of it or a parent believes they’ve been treated unfairly financially, it can change both the tone and the operation of the household.

Kids are perceptive and pick up on these kinds of changes easily. As a parent, it’s up to you to shield them from conflict while ensuring they live in reality. Though I’m a family law attorney, I was also once a newly divorced mom of four school-aged kids (now grown) who faced similar challenges. These are my tips for easing household tension around money after divorce.

Discuss Money in Honest, Age-Appropriate Ways

When kids come to you and ask if they can have their birthday party at the skating rink this year instead of in the backyard, or ask if you can buy them the latest (and very expensive) designer sweatshirt you know will be out of style in a few months, and it’s not in your budget, say so. But in a gentle way, one that’s appropriate........

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