Telling the kids

[mnsnow]

My boys are 4 and 7. Right now they know that their dad is at a "school" getting help to learn how to take care of his back and his mind, and how to be a better dad. In reality, he's doing his second stint in rehab for narcotic addiction. Right after Christmas, the boys and I are moving in with my mom. Our house is sold and we close right away in January, so the kids already knew we'd be moving. But now that I'm preparing to file for divorce, obviously we can't buy a house. I'm at a loss as to what to tell my kids. I finally told them tonight that we'd be living with grandma because we haven't found a house to buy yet. They were fine with that, as we spend a ton of time there anyway. But how do I talk to them about the separation, and inevitable divorce? I'm just sick thinking about it. Any words of wisdom?

[sweetchix]

Dads were 3 and 5 when we told them. I bought two children's books about divorce (I'd have to check the names when I get home later it one was about a bear family). They explained nicely, so the kids could understand that although mommy and daddy would be living separately, they would still live the kids just the same.

[cuddlyevil]

We explained that mommy & daddy weren't going to be together anymore, but that it didn't mean we didn't love them and that none of it is their fault. Their grandparents on their Dad's side are divorced and remarried, so they were sort of aware.