How to break the news to a 6 year old her parents are separating?

[TheEnormousTurnip2]

My daughters father and I will be separating imminently.
Everything has been quite amicable so far. He will
be remaining in the family home and buying me out so I can purchase a new one.
We aren’t going to tell her until things are further down the line and I have found us a new home and will be able to answer all of the questions that I know she will have, but how do we tell her? We’ve agreed on shared custody, she will live with me during the week and stay with him Friday/Saturday and I will collect her Sunday morning so I also get some weekend time with her.

Has anyone been through this before? Any tips? I know it’s going to break her heart, but neither of us are happy and before things get to the point where there is nastiness & resentment we need to split. It has been my decision and I feel massively guilty…

Surely 2 separate happy parents are better than 2 unhappy parents together?

Well done on recognising what is best for you all. In the long run this will be the best decision for your daughter. My parents stuck together way beyond the love leaving their relationship "for the kids" and I so wish they hadn't.
When it comes to telling her I'd advise being completely honest. Answer any questions she has openly as you feel is appropriate. The questions may take a while for her to think of and most likely won't come when you first tell her. They will come at random times!
Don't overcomplicate telling her. Remember it's us adults that see every possible scenario. Kids are black and white. Mummy and daddy don't live together any more, I'm at daddy's tonight. That's probably all she will take from it!

WHen I told mine I I did some research and went for the analogy of a puzzle.

So your puzzle piece fits with hers, and daddy’s fits with hers, but yours and daddy’s don’t fit together so you’re going to live in different houses.

I liked it because it was quite visual and sidestepped completely both any idea of fault but also made it clear that reconciliation wasn’t a possibility.

Absolutely love this idea. Thankyou!

Thankyou. It’s been a long time coming to be fair.
We would have separated at least 3 years ago if we didn’t have our daughter but things are getting worse & worse to cope with and for the sake of my sanity I need out!