A Child’s Guide to Divorce
One of the most difficult tasks for a divorcing couple here in Motnana is breaking the news to their minor children. It can be tricky to explain such an adult concept to children, particularly when many divorcing couples cannot explain to each other what went wrong. Luckily, there are many resources aimed specifically at children that parents can utilize during this difficult time.
KidsHealth.org has an online “Kid’s Guide to Divorce” that explains divorce in age-appropriate terms and stresses that children are not the cause, nor can they be the savior, when a couple decides to divorce. The site has additional information for children who may be living with a new stepparent or will be moving away.
There are also several children’s books for parents and children to read together while coping with divorce. Most of the books provide a simple, clear way to explain to children that they are still loved by both parents. I recommend the following:
- Dinosaurs Divorce: A Guide for Changing Families by Marc Brown
- It’s Not Your Fault, Koko Bear by Vicki Lansky
- Two Homes by Claire Masurel
- Standing on My Own Two Feet by Tamara Schmitz