Dealing with the Aftermath: How to Talk to Your Kids about Infidelity

The divorce rate in America is 2.9 per 1000 total population. It might seem like a small percentage, but considering the marriage rate is 5.1 per 1000 total population, it shows us the reality that half the marriages end in divorce. A common reason for marriages to end in divorce is infidelity.

A person’s decision to step out of their marriage can finish what they’ve spent years building. Although you could get infidelity therapy to give your marriage a fighting chance, many couples choose to walk away. Apart from the couple itself, their children are affected the most in the aftermath of infidelity. They’re also smarter than we think, so hiding it from them can do more harm than good.

Here’s how to talk to them about a sensitive topic like this:

Do It Together

It might seem difficult to do, but it’s best if both parents are there to tell the kids what happened and why there might be tension in the house and between the parents. Kids are just as protective of their parents as their parents are of them. If just one parent speaks to them they might become defensive of the hurt parent which can ruin their relationship with the other.

Image Alt text: parents talking to their child about infidelity following the advice of infidelity therapy

Image title: conversation-between-parents-and-children

Avoid Any Badmouthing

If the hurt parent has decided to speak to the kids about the infidelity, they should make sure not to shed the unfaithful parent in a bad light. This can confuse the kids and make them feel like they’re betraying their hurt parent if they continue to have a relationship with the other parent. This is something you’ll be advised to do everywhere you go for infidelity therapy in Palo Alto or any other city.

Respond to Questions

This will be a confusing time for the kids, and they’ll likely have a lot of questions. They might also take it personally. Be available to answer their questions and comments while ensuring you don’t come off as defensive and don’t justify or condemn any actions.

Go to Family Therapy

Sometimes emotions run so high it feels impossible to get the words out to your kids. If you’re going through something similar, try family relationship counseling to help you in the process. They’ll be impartial and have the expertise to deal with a situation like this.

Infidelity Therapy in Palo Alto

Silicon Valley Marriage Counseling is a marriage guidance counseling in Palo Alto led by English and Farsi-speaking therapist Azizeh Rezaiyan. Azizeh uses her 20 years of experience to help couples build healthier relationships and a better future together.

Azizeh, a trusted marriage counseling therapist in Palo Alto, has been helping couples find happiness in their marriage again for decades and find a solution for infidelity.

Contact us today to book an appointment for infidelity therapy in Palo Alto.