There are some general guidelines for parents to follow that can help kids through divorce:
There are some general guidelines for parents to follow that can help kids through divorce:
- Try to be as calm as possible. This will help kids feel secure.
- Let kids know the divorce is not their fault.
- Do the best you can not to argue or say anything bad about your spouse in front of the kids.
- Let them know that any emotions they have are okay. Try to listen to how they’re feeling. Then instead of trying to “fix” their problem, you might say something like, “I understand why you feel that way. Can you tell me more?” This makes a child feel like they can talk to you without worrying about making you feel bad.
- A structured routine helps kids with anxiety. It also helps prevent behavioral problems and helps kids stay focused at school. Letting teachers know what’s going on is a good idea.
- And of course, you can’t be your best for your kids unless you’re also taking care of yourself.
Divorce / Changing Families Book List
The following books are great resources for helping children understand and cope with divorce:
I Have Two Homes By Marian De Smet and Nynke Talsma (Pre-K to 2)
• Nina explains what it is like living in two homes – one with her mom and one with her dad. Readers will relate to Nina’s honest experiences and see that living in two homes doesn’t always have to be bad!
Mom And Dad Glue By Kes Gray (Pre-K to 2)
• In this book, a boy’s parents separate and he wants to glue them back together. He goes to the glue shop in search of the glue he needs. When he doesn’t find the right glue, the shop owner reminds him that he can’t glue his parents back together, and that he doesn’t have to because it isn’t his fault.
Standing On My Own Two Feet By Tamara Schmitz (Pre-K to 2)
• The main character of this book matter-of-factly explains his life with divorced parents. He reminds himself (and readers) that their divorce wasn’t because of him, and most importantly, that his parents will always love him!
Two Homes by Claire Masurel (K to 2)
• Alex has a mommy and a daddy. They live in separate houses. In this story, Alex tells about how he has two sets of things – one for mommy’s house and one for daddy’s house. Even though his mommy and daddy don’t live together, they love him wherever they are and wherever he is!
When My Parents Forgot How To Be Friends By Jennifer Moore-Mallinos (K to 2)
• This story describes the changes that happen when parents forget to be friends. Maybe your mom starts crying a lot or maybe your family doesn’t spend time together. Even though the change can be hard, it doesn’t mean you still can’t have fun with your family!
Why Do Families Change? By Jillian Roberts (K to 2)
• This book answers questions that many children have about divorce. The engaging question and answer format will help kids address questions like “Is this my fault?” and “How do I feel better?”
Why Do Families Change? By Jillian Roberts (K to 2)
• This book answers questions that many children have about divorce. The engaging question and answer format will help kids address questions like “Is this my fault?” and “How do I feel better?”
Monday, Wednesday And Every Other Weekend By Karen Stanton (1 to 4)
• Henry has two houses now, and so does his dog Pomegranate. Henry has things he likes at both houses, but Pomegranate just wants to go back to their old house. He runs away, and Henry shows him that now they have a new home!
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