A pediatric nurse is caring for a child whose parents are going through a divorce. Which of the following is the priority action for the nurse to take to support the child during this time?

A. Reassure the child that their parents' divorce is not their fault: Children often internalize blame during parental separation. Addressing this misconception first is the priority because it directly impacts the child’s emotional well-being and sense of security, which forms the foundation for other supportive interventions. B. Encourage the child to express their feelings and concerns: Encouraging expression of feelings is important, but reassurance that the child is not at fault should come first to reduce guilt and anxiety before further emotional processing. C. Provide education on age-appropriate coping strategies for children who are experiencing divorce: Teaching coping strategies is beneficial but secondary to establishing the child’s sense of safety and understanding of the situation. D. Collaborate with both parents to ensure a consistent routine for the child: Maintaining routines supports stability, yet it does not immediately address the child’s potential self-blame, which is the most urgent concern for emotional support.