‘Southern Charm’ Star Thomas Ravenel Calls Kathryn Dennis Split ‘A Children-First Decision’

For four seasons “Southern Charm” viewers have been following Thomas Ravenel and Kathryn Dennis’ ever-evolving relationship. The pair officially called it quits ahead of Season 4, leaving the former South Carolina politician to raise their two children on his own.

When it comes to his relationship with Kathryn, Thomas tells People their split was in the best interest of their kids. He explained that he’s been conscious of shielding them from “conflict.” Thomas, 54, said that his and Kathryn’s relationship was full of negativity, which he felt was detrimental to Kensington, 3, and Saint, 1 — without whom the Bravo star may have tried to make it work.

“Conflict is something I’ve tried to shield the children from,” he shared. “That’s one of the reasons it was best that Kathryn and I go our separate ways because that conflict, all the constant disagreements and arguments, was creating a negative energy that was unhealthy for the children. It was a children-first decision.”

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In the meantime, Thomas is focusing on providing his kids with a proper southern upbringing. He told People he’s a hands-on dad and has been “doing it myself.” The “Southern Charm” star says he thinks it’s important that his kids have a solid understanding of manners, discipline and boundaries.

“I think that’s a form of love,” Thomas told People.

Kathryn, on the other hand, is focused on herself and staying sober. In a separate interview with People released on April 4, she opened up about her portrayal on “Southern Charm” Season 4. She claimed that she wasn’t fazed by the drama, though she did struggle to watch her custody battle with Thomas play out before Bravo’s cameras.

“There are so many days when I just see a toy or something randomly misplaced and break down in tears,” she said.

While she’s not able to be as involved in the lives of her children as she’d like to be, Kathryn maintains that she’s sober, happy and has been true to herself. She told ET Online she’s doing “great, better than ever.” She added that her rehab stint helped her get clean and taught her important life skills, suggesting it might be helpful for “everyone” to go at some point in their lives.

“You know, it’s been a long haul. But I feel more me than I’ve ever felt in a long time,” she said. “I’m really at peace with everything. What I went through wasn’t just addressing drug, alcohol whatever; it was more beneficial in life skills. And honestly, in a way, I think everyone should go to some type of rehab ‘cause you just learn so much about people and life. And I think that’s really been key.”

While neither Thomas nor Kathryn can really dive too deep into their on-going custody battle and other related issues, viewers can watch them unfold on “Southern Charm” Season 4. The show airs Mondays at 9 p.m. EDT on Bravo.