How do I explain to my 5 yr old that my husband, who is not his paternal father is moving out?

The fighting has to stop and this is the only way.How do I explain to my 5 yr old that my husband, who is not his paternal father is moving out?
Honest is always best, just be sure to put it in terms he can understand. It is also important to emphasize that he is still loved and that he had nothing to do with this decision (it's not his fault). You may want to stay away from talking about you two not getting along, as it's hard for kids to deal with parents (or parental figures) not loving each other anymore. When my step-daughter asked why daddy doesn't like mommy anymore, I reminded her that people can still care about each other without living together (like we love grandma but she doesn't live with us). If your husband is going to stay in touch with your son, that will make things much easier (provided you two can be civil in front of him). If not, just make sure he knows he's loved and that you are always there for him. Good luck - I know it's a tough situation.How do I explain to my 5 yr old that my husband, who is not his paternal father is moving out?
You need to be as honest as possible. Remember his age and try to explain in simple terms what is going on. That he didn't do anything wrong. You and Daddy still love him very much and he will still be able to see Daddy and talk to him on the phone. Please try and keep in mind that his is between you and you husband try not to put your son in the middle.Make sure if he wants to speak to his dad please allow him. Also try to be civil when you 2 are around him it will make him feel a little better.
You tell him that mommy and daddy(or whatever he calls him) are not acting nice to eachother and we hate to fight so he is going to live in another house.
do what i did. just tell him the truth. tell him that u and ur husband are not getting along and that for the 2 of u to get along daddy needs to move out. explain that this has nothing to do with him that u 2 love him but you dont love daddy.





Talking to your children





One of the most important skills a parent can possess is being a good listener. While it sounds pretty simple in theory, many parents (regardless of marital status I might add) have a difficult time putting it into practice.





To become a better listener for your children try the following:





Give children your full attention when they are talking to you.


This means turn off the TV or stop putting away the groceries. Sit down and make eye-to-eye contact with your child. If you can't stop what you are doing, let your child know what they have to say is very important to you. Then arrange a time with your children when you can give them all of your attention. I recommend asking children to wait minutes not hours.





Listen to your child without trying to fix, judge, criticize or change their feelings.


Typically as parents we have a strong desire to spare our children from unpleasant, hurtful or difficult situations. Since divorce can stir up a lot of those experience we may try to shield our children by fixing the problem or trying to convince them that they really don't feel that way. Unfortunately our good intentions can be damaging. When children are not allowed the opportunity to solve their own problems or have their feelings acknowledged they are deprived of building both esteem and self-confidence. Also, it may be difficult for children to identify how they feel if they never receive validation of certain feelings.





Seek to understand your child's feelings and perspective.


One way we can convey understanding is by focusing on what our child is feeling and verbalizing that feeling for them. Parents can make statements such as '; I can understand why you would feel that way';, ';It sounds like you are...'; or ';That must be really difficult when...';. Also, remember understanding does not mean you agree with another person's perspective; it only means you understand.





Take action.


Kids need to talk to someone who is supportive and understanding. Taking action doesn't mean you fix the problem or give advice to your children. Once you feel you understand your child then you can make a decision about how to respond. Sometimes it may mean giving them a hug, other times it may mean having to watch them struggle with a difficult issue or problem.





Keep your issues separate from your children's feelings.


Make sure you are utilizing a support system outside of your children to deal with your own feelings. When you find yourself having a strong reaction to something your child has said or is feeling, try to stay focused on your child. If you are finding it too difficult, give yourself time out to process what is going on and how you are feeling about the situation.





When necessary, get help or find support.


Many of the changes divorce brings can be difficult to deal with for parents. If you or your children are having a hard time dealing with those changes, find support or seek out professional help.








If your child doesn't want to talk... For some children talking about divorce makes it feel too real and they may not be ready to accept the fact that life is changing. If your child does not want to talk or resists discussions about divorce let them know you understand this is hard for them. You can also tell them you understand that they might not want to talk right now but when they are ready to talk you will be ready to listen. It can sometimes be helpful to find age appropriate children's book or other resources such as the children's divorce DVD and workbook, Lemons 2 Lemonade: How to handle life when things go sour between Mom and Dad.'; These resources can often make talking about a difficult subject easier for kids.
Just say that he is going on a vacation and will be stopping by sometimes
just be honest but not to much infor for the child . he is only 4 years old . so just the basic information