049: How to Tell Kids about Divorce: with Parenting Expert Christina McGhee

In this episode, host Krista Nash sits down with parenting expert, author, and coach Christina McGhee to tackle one of the most difficult moments in divorce: telling your children. Christina, who has spent over two decades helping families navigate separation, shares compassionate, practical guidance for parents who want to put their children first during this life-altering conversation.

Together, Krista and Christina explore the emotional weight parents carry and the common mistakes that can undermine a child’s sense of security. Christina emphasizes the importance of clarity, preparation, and unified messaging, reminding parents that while the marriage may be ending, parenting is not. She introduces strategies such as framing divorce as a change rather than an ending, using age-appropriate language, and avoiding over-sharing or placing emotional burdens on children.

Listeners will also hear insights into how children of different ages process divorce, the dangers of using children as confidants, and the long-term impact of blurred boundaries. Christina offers practical tools for ensuring children feel a sense of belonging in both homes and encourages ongoing dialogue rather than a “one and done” conversation.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Divorce doesn’t end parenting—it changes how you parent.
• Always use clear, age-appropriate language, including the word “divorce.”
• Never make your child a confidant or emotional caretaker.
• Prepare and plan the conversation instead of “winging it.”
• Make it an ongoing dialogue, not a one-time event.

Resources from this Episode

Christina McGhee, Divorce Parenting Expert, Trainer, Coach, Author, Education & Training Director: SPLIT Films – Divorce and Children, LLC

https://coparentingspecialist.com/

https://divorceandchildren.com/

Book: Parenting Apart: How Separated and Divorced Parents Can Raise Happy and Secure Kids

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=parenting+apart+christina+mcghee&crid=3T5BH29G1YY0&sprefix=parenting+apart%2Caps%2C163&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-pd-dpltr-ranker_2_15

https://divorceandchildren.com/about-christina-mcghee/

www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com

All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation. 

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Episode Credits

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