Guys,

I need help. My kids just told me that their dad is getting remarried. (I was gut punched with shock!) I tried to ask them how they feel about it and my older kids were devastated! Like, crying and telling me how abandoned they feel. (“He’s starting a new family without us”)

I’m pissed! I asked them if he had asked how they felt and they said no. When I reached out to him to get facts, he told me that when he told them, they shut down but he just thought they hadn’t processed it. Obviously, they have processed it and aren’t happy. But they wouldn’t tell him that since he has essentially abandoned them in their minds—he lives states away and only sees them every few weeks or months. They don’t have the close relationship with him that they have with me, are more open with their emotions with me, and he always seems to make them feel bad (unintentionally, I’m sure).

I guess my main question is, how do I make sure my kids aren’t upset and reinforce that no matter what their dad does, I’ll be here for them? How can I help them cope with this situation?

Thanks!