As much as we try to protect our children from the hurt they’ll feel from divorce, it’s inventible that children won’t go through their parents’ divorce unscathed. As adults, we do our best, but sometimes, to have an age-appropriate book to read to young children can really help drive the difficult conversations when it comes to divorce.
After suggesting many books to adults on divorce, I researched children’s books that I felt would tackle the subjects that I hear come up most often when I practice as a mediator instead of working on the client’s side. Below, you’ll find a list of the top 5 books that I recommend when it comes to divorce and young children that will hopefully ease your mind and your heart when talking to your children.
With these books, I most definitely want you to note that please, read these books WITH your children, even if they’re of reading age. Discuss the book after, let them ask questions, and keep the lines of communication open. They may not ask you right away, but keep an eye out for changes in behavior that might signal that it’s time for chatting or even more so, for therapy.
Family Changes: Explaining Divorce to Children by Azmaira H. Maker Ph.D. has an included Parent Guide. The tone of this book is noted as “kid-friendly from start to finish” and is age-appropriate. Click HERE for Amazon link.
Standing on My Own Two Feet: A Child’s Affirmation of Love in the Midst of Divorce by Tamara Schmitz. It’s hard not to “love” everything about this book. This selection helps children to understand that no matter what, they’re still very much loved. Click HERE for Amazon link.
Dinosaurs Divorce (Dino Life Guides) by Marc Brown and Laurie Krasny Brown has been used for years when it comes to talking to young children about divorce. Especially if you have a little one that loves dinosaurs, this will really resonate with them. Click HERE for Amazon link.
Two Homes by Claire Masurel is another book that touches on the fact that no matter what, your child is loved! There are also a few clear descriptions about the child in the book that give reference to things being different in each home and how to adjust. Click HERE for the Amazon link.
I’ve saved the best for last…The Invisible String by Patrice Karst and Joanne Lew-Vriethoff is by far a favorite of not only mine but of therapists as well. This book dives into the connections that children have with loved ones and has been used for divorce, bereavement, social work, and many other areas where young children are concerned. I can’t recommend this book enough! Click HERE for Amazon link.
I hope you find these selections helpful. My team and I pride ourselves on the fact that we really are #HereForYou every step of the way with your divorce. Please reach out to me and my team anytime at 407-757-2883.
