Every parent dreads this conversation. It is one of the most difficult in any divorce, as it means sharing heartbreaking news with your children. We are all programmed to nurture and protect our kids, so this step may feel like it goes against our parental instincts. And yet being a parent also means being honest and responsible. That includes letting your children know about changes to your family’s life.

What’s more, you are your children’s most important role model. In sharing this news, you have an opportunity to demonstrate both vulnerability and resilience. It’s important to communicate a balance of “this is a sad time” and “we are going to get through this.”

Ideally, you’ll tell all your children in person at once, but that may not be possible if one or more of them is at college, studying abroad, or away at........

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