How to tell my 1st grader...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My suggestion is that you be an adult (sounds like your child needs one in his/her life) and not share this information with a young child.

Ex is going to be wearing a cast and may still have abrasions the next time my child sees ex. Kid needs to know something happened before he gets freaked out.

Dad broke his xxx (arm/leg). He's fine but will be in a cast.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
"Dad sometimes does not make the right decisions. He got into a fight and this is why he looks like this (visible cuts and scrapes)."

That's what I would say, because it's true and doesn't contain insults your child could hurl about. It absolutely needs to be said, because your child must understand that when he is alone with his father, he has to exercise due precaution. Even at this early age.

+1. I also have an ex who makes stupid decisions. It's best to be honest but with minimal details if possible.

I would definitely try to get a copy of the police report. If there are charges filed then the court-related documents (indictment, motions, pleadings, etc.) will be publicly available and you can usually get them electronically thru the relevant state court's online website.

[Anonymous]

Protect your child. Even from knowledge that dad is an idiot. They have the rest of their life to figure that out on their own. Right now they need to believe 1) dad loves them and 2) dad is a good person. I come from a good person.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Protect your child. Even from knowledge that dad is an idiot. They have the rest of their life to figure that out on their own. Right now they need to believe 1) dad loves them and 2) dad is a good person. I come from a good person.

This by a mile. Every word.

Daddy broke X but he will be fine. (Let your husband tell him what happened.)

Right now you can honestly say "I don't know how it happened honey, it must have been some kind of accident. But he will be fine."

[Anonymous]

My mother never said a bad word about my father. Kids are smart enough to figure it out on their own.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My mother never said a bad word about my father. Kids are smart enough to figure it out on their own.

And smart enough to judge you later if you do say bad stuff.