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Real Name: Kevin Morrison Gender: male Date of Birth: December 19, 1973 Member Since: April 10, 2008 Last Signed In: July 24, 2008 Profile Views: 423 Blog Views: 1695 Disneyland Strollers? Disneyland New Illustrators! churches It's not Fruit and Cake I guess I am a conspiracy theorist It's official! Happy Anniversary, Jill Miss Hollywood's Dance Recital It's been a while... April 08 May 08 June 08 July 08 
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When should they know??
I've caught myself recently having conversations in which my ex-wife is mentioned in front of my kids. I have not had a conversation with my kids about that and I don't think they are ready to fully understand at 5 and 3. So I have been wondering when is the appropriate age to discuss it? I have nothing to hide, but I think there are some things that need a little more maturity to fully grasp. I was going through some paperwork of my grandpa's one day several years ago. I found a marriage certificate and divorce decree, involving a woman OTHER than my grandma. When I asked my Dad about it, he had never heard of it, nor had his sisters. I don't want that to be the case with my children. But when do you tell them? I guess circumstances of the divorce may play a part in the understandability. And my reputation with my kids is not on the line. Contrary to popular belief, it's not always the guy who cheats. So it's just a point of information about my past. And yet I hesitate. Any thoughts or age suggestions? Not the most entertaining of blogs, but I thought maybe somebody has some experience that they might throw at me. 4 comments from 4 users
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posted by
Christina
on May 13, 2008 at 11:33 AM
wow - wish I had advice! We had a similar situation last night, only on a much lower level. My mom sent me some home videos from when I was a senior in high school. In some of the holiday ones, my boyfriend whom I dated for 2 years was sitting next to me at the family occasions. When my kids asked me who that was, my husband blurted out "That was mommy's boyfriend" .. In a funny make fun of mommy kind of way. But my initial reaction was OMG - shut up! don't say that! LOL I didn't want to have to explain specifics.. anyway, at least they let it roll off like it was no big deal.
Anyway, I'm rambling and not helping. I suppose the best advice would be to tell them when they are old enough to understand. Unfortunately I have no clue what age that is!! posted by
Jeagle222
on May 13, 2008 at 02:38 PM
Seeing it from both ends I say wait until they start asking. My oldest daughter was completely disgusted when she found out her father and I used to be a couple. She found a picture of he and I and was mortified. My husbands ex cheated on him which caused their divorce but his 9 year old has been fully aware of what happened from the get go. She asks a lot of questions. Actually a couple of years ago I was watching an episode of "Cheaters" (I know, it's a guilty pleasure!) and she said "I forgot, did my mom cheat on my dad or my dad on my mom?" I figured if she was big enough to ask the question and to actually realize what happened I would make sure she knew who did what...your kids still seem pretty young though... posted by
bushelandapeck
on May 13, 2008 at 03:17 PM
All IMHO- I don't think there's a problem mentioning the ex in front of the kids as long as you are civil, calm, etc. Kids are not fond of surprises regarding parents' pasts. We don't have to reveal all details, but talking/mentioning leaves the subject open in the future when the kids are more mature. And meanwhile, if kids ask questions or we feel the need to explain a sensitive issue, we do our best to give the chilren enough info but not too much ( like on the subjects of death, sex, divorce, war, etc.). But again, I think it is so important to keep communication lines open b/c it maintains that heart connection with our children. Just divulge information as you deem appropriate. posted by
kevinmorrison
on May 13, 2008 at 05:38 PM
All good stuff. Thanks!
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