My Family’s Changing

My Family’s Changing (A First Look At Series), by Pat Thomas  (1999)

This unusual picture book for younger children explores the issue of divorce. The author of this book is a psychotherapist and counselor and helps children to face their fears, worries and questions when their family is going through a break-up. A special feature, “What About You?” sidebars appear frequently with questions directed at the child reading the book. The questions encourage children to explore their own feeling about the situation. Full color illustrations throughout.

Kara Kangaroo’s Candy: A Story to Help Children Cope with Divorce

Kara Kangaroo’s Candy: A Story to Help Children Cope with Divorce (Kids Cope Series), by Dr. Leigh Neiman Weisz (Author), Faith Doni (Illustrator) (2013)

“Kara Kangaroo’s Candy is a wonderfully helpful story for young children whose parents are divorcing…In a warm and reassuring way, this story clearly reinforces that divorce is not a child’s fault.” -Dr. Sachs Alter, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist This book helps children cope effectively with divorce. Many parents, teachers, and mental health professionals have expressed how helpful this book was as a tool in working with children going through this challenging transition. When Kara Kangaroo’s parents sit her down to tell her they are getting a divorce, Kara assumes it is because of the meltdown she had in the grocery store when her mama told her she could not have a candy bar. Kara vows never to eat another candy bar again. Author, Leigh Neiman Weisz, Psy.D., a child psychologist, helps parents deliver critical messages to children through her stories. With this sweet story, even very young children can learn the important lesson that divorce is never a child’s fault. This book can really help children adjust to the difficult changes in divorce.

Bill of Rights for Children of Divorce

1.The right to express love for both parents.

Is this a problem for you?   Yes _____ No _____, if Yes how?

2.The right not to be placed in the position of a message carrier.

Is this a problem for you?   Yes _____ No _____, if Yes how?

3.The right not to be asked to be the family spy.

Is this a problem for you?   Yes _____ No _____, if Yes how?

 

4.The right not to be told negative information about their parent or parent’s family.

Is this a problem for you?   Yes _____ No _____, if Yes how?

5.The right to remain connected to both parents’ families.

Is this a problem for you?   Yes _____ No _____, if Yes how?

6.The right not to be interrogated after a visit with the other parent.

Is this a problem for you?   Yes _____ No _____, if Yes how?

7.The right to express or not to express his or her own feelings.

Is this a problem for you?   Yes _____ No _____, if Yes how?

8.The right not to be exposed to conflict with the other parent.

Is this a problem for you?   Yes _____ No _____, if Yes how?

 

9.The right to a stable, safe environment.

Is this a problem for you?   Yes _____ No _____, if Yes how?

10.The right to remain a child and not a parental confidant.

Is this a problem for you?   Yes _____ No _____, if Yes how?

 

11.The right to be told about family changes, such as moving, or visitation.

Is this a problem for you?   Yes _____ No _____, if Yes how?

12.The right to not feel responsible for their parents’ divorce.

Is this a problem for you?   Yes _____ No _____, if Yes how?

13.The right to be loved unconditionally.

Is this a problem for you?   Yes _____ No _____, if Yes how?

Taken from:

Kids In the Middle® All Rights Reserved © 2005

http://www.kidsinthemiddle.org/co-parenting.htm