How to talk to your kids about the demise of 'Jon & Kate Plus 8'

June 30, 8:58 AMAtlanta Northside Family & Parenting ExaminerJackie Kass

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The Gosselins on the path of divorce

Last night's episode of Jon and Kate Plus 8 was a a look back at the last ten years, but it could have been titled, "Turn the page for a new chapter," the phrase Kate said repeatedly to the camera. While TLC has announced that it is taking a break from the show, towards the end of last night's episode, it gave a sneak peek of new and upcoming shows. Kate was seen vacationing at the beach and touring a battleship with the kids, while Jon waited to greet the large crew upon their arrival home. Kate explained, "We're living our separate lives, but coming back together." It definitely looked like the demise of Jon and Kate Plus 8, and it was very sad to watch.

The trials and tribulations of Jon and Kate Gosselin have played out in national headlines for months, but not much attention has been paid to the show’s youngest fans, and how to talk to them about the demise of a family they came to know through the magic of TV Land. If your own child was a fan of the popular TLC show, how can you explain the total collapse of the Gosselin family? Will it affect your own child’s sense of family security?

When kids hear that their friend’s parents are divorcing, they often wonder, “Will we be next?” and “If parents stop loving each other, can they stop loving their children?” Divorce is a very scary thing for kids, even older ones. When talking to your own children about the divorce of other parents, let them know that your own marital status is solid. They primarily need reassurance that you will stay together, and that divorce is not on their horizon. Also, explain to them that their own family is strong, and that it will continue on as usual. You can also let your kids know that there is a difference between spousal love and the love of a child, which is forever ingrained in a parent’s heart from the moment of birth. Yes, parents do sometimes fall out of love, but they never stop loving their children. There are plenty of single parents out there who give their children all the love and support they need.

If your child was a fan of Jon and Kate Plus 8, let them be free to express sorrow for the eight children on the show. Then give him or her a warm embrace and cherish the fact that your own life is not in shambles due to a national TV reality show.

Related articles you may find of interest:

The intolerable irony of 'Jon and Kate Plus 8'

Enough already about 'Jon and Kate Plus 8!'

Susan Boyle teaches kids to never judge a book by its cover

A Mom’s goodbye message to Jay Leno

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