Explaining breakups to young children

[Seaside31]

Hoping for some advice on how to explain relationship breakups to young children (4yo in this case).

NOT the parents but another very significant couple in the child’s life who are actively involved in their life weekly and are involved in childcare. They will no longer be living together and can’t currently be civil so will be seeing the child separately.

Although only young, child is VERY switched on and will ask a LOT of questions but is also very sensitive.

This is so sad :(

Bumping for you OP!

@Nonsenseidiot Thank you 👍🏻 Just have no idea how to go about it and want to be able to answer the questions as best as I can!

I would keep it very simple and factual - X and Y have decided they will be happier not living together any more, so they are going to split up and live separately. That happens sometimes with grown ups, and it's nothing you need to worry about.

Kids generally do better with very simple and literal explanations ime.

@sprigatito Yeah I’m planning on being factual and honest. I just know DC will want to know -

• why?
• why are they not looking after me together?
• will you and daddy decide to live in different houses?
• what happens if I want to play with X and Y together like normal?

I think you're over thinking the impact on the child. Loads of kids have parents who don't live together, never mind relatives who have split up, your DC will frequently come across this scenario as they get older.

Well aware of that thank you. I know my child and how sensitive they are. I don’t think I’m overthinking it at all.