Children dealing with divorce.

[2025letsmakeitthebest]

My dh left his exw 18 months before we met. His dc was 2 years old at the time. I have now been with my dh 3 years.
Sc has been fine up until just before Christmas. They suddenly started crying a lot saying they are sad. Crying at pick up and drop offs. They have finally opened up and said they are sad that parents aren't together now.
I'm just wondering if it's normal for children to suddenly get upset this long later? Is it the age? Maybe understanding more now?
I have 3 dc who are a bit older and I've been lucky that they didn't go through this. My youngest did ask a few questions about 6 months ago but that's it.
Thanks for any advice.

Completely normal.
It might be in part due to starting school and seeing friends with different family set ups.
It might not be about wanting mum and dad to be in a relationship with each other, but more about the disruption of living in two homes.
I would hope your husband is reassuring his child that just because mummy and daddy don’t live together they both love the child very much etc.
There are some books which might help, I’ll try and find links.

Ah OP, I'd say that yes, it is. (although I loathe the word 'normal'!)

It's great that your SC has opened up to you. Do they have a good relationship with their Dad as well as you. Can he talk to them about this?

Has anything happened/changed at Mum's home that could be on your SC's mind?

Sc has been in school for 18 months now so no changes there but I think you're right that they are maybe seeing other parents together and realising it's different for them.

Nothing has changed that I'm aware of although dh and exw do not communicate that well.
Sc is being supported through it all. I think their mum just distracts them every time they are upset but I've encouraged my Dh to sit him down and explain things.