FamilyLife Forums

I am a 37 year old mother of two children, ages 8 and 6.  I have been married to my husband for 9 years.  Before we met, I was married for 2 years.  My first husband passed away waiting for a heart transplant.  I feel that my children should know about my previous marriage, but I'm not sure when or how much I should tell them.  Any insight would be very much appreciated.  Thank you.

Do you still communicate or have any kind of relationship with your previous in-laws? If so, that might be an ice-breaker into the conversation.

Just the first thing that popped into my mind

 

Or pictures?  Have you discussed this with your husband - maybe he has an idea how to bring it up.  I don't think I'd make it a "sit down kids, there's something I need to tell you" kind of discussion - but if you're looking at a photo album, it'll spark their curiosity and you could ease into it. 

I have a great relationship with my previous in-laws...my children know them well.  They just don't know that they were my in-laws.

Thank you!

Since your children know the in-laws, why not just approach the conversation as "I dont think I have ever told you about how I met ________. I was waiting until you got a little older and I think now you are big enough to understand."