You have to be honest with your kids about their absent parent, but honest doesn’t mean cruel. It means telling the truth with love, in language they can understand. Sugarcoating too much can confuse them. Blaming the other parent can wound them. But silence? That creates shame. Kids know when something’s off. They can feel the tension in the room when that parent’s name comes up. So, be real. Say, “They’re not around right now, and that’s not your fault.” Say, “I’m here, and I’ve got you.” Bein