Separation spanner in the works

[Alphasolo]

I have been planning to separate from DH for 2 years and I've been aiming for January 2022. I was all set for telling DCs (DH knows my plans) and then my Brother and SIL announced they were divorcing shortly before Christmas. I hadn't told DCs.

Then on Boxing Day, my brother decided to tell my DCs about his divorce and said "meaning you probably won't see Auntie Sarah again for a while." I wasn't expecting this at all and the wording he chose has upset my DCs. How can I drop an even bigger bombshell on them now in January?!

There will probably always be something that comes up that means it’s not the ideal time to do it.
Your children are always going to be upset when you separate but in order to minimise it you need to get it over and done with and not drag it out - they may already be aware something is going on even if you don’t think they are.

Are you close to Aunty Sarah? Could you talk to her about maybe staying in contact with the DC?