Mr. Rogers can help parents explain divorce and separation

Fred Rogers, an educator, minister, and television personality, helped generations of children understand divorce.

“When we can talk about our feelings, they become less overwhelming, less upsetting, and less scary. The people we trust with that important talk can help us know that we're not alone.” Fred Rogers

Divorce is sad and painful. During a separation or divorce, children often feel as if their family is “broken.” They might even worry that "Since my parents stopped loving each other, they might stop loving me." Divorce changes families in many ways. But it's still possible for children to feel secure, safe, and loved, even when their parents don't live together. Here's an episode of Mr. Rogers that explains divorce: From Parent Resources - Divorce and Separation Fred Rogers Productions

And here's a shorter video where Mr. Rogers explains divorce to a small child. 

Something that really stands out in these videos is the way that Mr. Rogers stays in the present and only explains what's relevant right now. Children only have this present moment. They don't understand the future or the past.

This helps us as parents. If you can make the moment you are with your children as calm and secure as possible, then you know that your child will remember being loved. 

You don't have to explain the past or the future. You only have to help your child feel as okay as possible right now, in this moment. Eventually the good moments you have together will become your past, and your child will know how to create a positive future.