KEEPING THE KIDS SAFE DURING A DIVORCE

FOUR THINGS YOU SHOULDN'T TELL A CHILD DURING A DIVORCE

Divorce is complicated no matter what. But it's MUCH more complicated when kids are involved. Most parents want the best for their kids . . . and they try hard to keep them OUT of the divorce. But sometimes emotions get the best of you.

--Here are four of the worst things parents can say to kids during a divorce . . .

1.) "IF YOU BEHAVED YOURSELF, WE WOULDN'T BE SO MAD AT EACH OTHER". Kids DO complicate things, but they're NOT responsible for your relationship problems. Even if you don't mean it, blaming the kids can scar them for life.

2.) "YOUR MOM IS A TRAMP" OR "YOUR FATHER CHEATED". Remember, the other person is STILL your child's parent. To a young kid, both parents are perfect. Punishing each other by blabbing to the kids will hurt THEM more than anyone else.

3.) "I WANT TO GET BACK TOGETHER, BUT YOUR FATHER DOESN'T". It might be the truth, but if you say it to your kids, you're just looking for sympathy or revenge. Whether you split up or stay together, you children shouldn't know the details.

4.) "SORRY I DIDN'T PICK YOU UP. I WAS REALLY BUSY". If you're splitting time with the kids, and YOU'RE supposed to spend time with them, DO IT. Kids remember that stuff . . . and they'll feel abandoned.

--If you HAVE to cancel at the last minute, give your kids a better explanation than "I was busy". They're smart enough to understand as long as you have a good reason. (Intent.com)