Jodie Turner-Smith says one tool has helped her explain divorce to her kid

June 30, 2026 - 05:21

Jodie Turner-Smith has shared that navigating conversations about divorce with her young daughter has been one of the hardest parts of her separation. The actress, who split from husband Joshua Jackson in 2023, said explaining the end of their marriage to their child required a careful and honest approach. In a recent interview, Turner-Smith revealed that one specific tool has made a significant difference: using age-appropriate books. She explained that reading stories about family changes together helped her daughter process complex emotions without feeling overwhelmed. The actress emphasized that children often struggle to understand abstract concepts like divorce, but a simple story can bridge that gap. She noted that the books provided a safe way to start difficult conversations, allowing her daughter to ask questions naturally. Turner-Smith also admitted that the process has been emotionally taxing for her as a parent, but she feels it is crucial to be transparent while also protecting her child's sense of security. She stressed that there is no perfect script for these talks, but having a tangible resource like a picture book made the experience less intimidating for both of them. The actress hopes that by being open about her own struggles, she can help other parents facing similar challenges find their own way to communicate with their kids.