Simply put, divorce can be difficult for children. It means big changes to their life, where they live and who they see day to day. It’s also a million little changes; new daily routines, how dad packs their lunch different than mom, or how they have to communicate more via phone or facetime with whichever parent they aren’t currently with. Sometimes conversations with children about divorce can be especially hard to have because a parent is also going through a potentially emotional journey. Reading a book with your child on the topic of separation and divorce can be a great conversation starter and allow children to relate to a character going through a similar experience. In addition, there are plenty of great books intended to aid a parent in approaching the process of separation or divorce in a thoughtful and healthy manner. A healthy and well adjusted parent is the first step towards encouraging a healthy experience for a child.
Recently several colleagues were emailing back and forth about great divorce resources and a booklist began to develop. Rather than keep this list to myself, I figured I’d share for anyone who may benefit from this information. Now I personally have not read every book on this list and cannot vouch to their content. This list is a collaborative product from multiple psychologists throughout Florida. I’d love to hear from you if there are any books not already included that you’ve found particularly helpful.
Reading Recommendations for Divorce
For Children:
-Standing On My Own Two Feet: A Child’s Affirmation of Love in the Midst of Divorce by Tamara Schmitz, 2008 (3-6 yrs of age)
-Two Homes by Claire Masurel , 2003 (2-4 yrs. of age)
–Megan’s Two Houses by Erica Jong 1996 (elementary age)
-ABCs of Surviving Divorce: Important Tips for Parents, Teens & Children by Leah Atchison, 2003
For Adults:
-Mindful Co-Parenting: A Child-Friendly Path through Divorce by Jeremy S Gaies, Psy.D. and James B Morris, Jr., Ph.D., 2014
–The Truth about Children and Divorce: Dealing with the Emotions So You and Your Children Can Thrive by Robert E. Emery, 2004
–The Good Divorce by Constance Ahrons, 1998
–Mom’s House, Dad’s House: Making Two Homes for Your Child by Isolina Ricci, 1997
–Helping Your Children Cope with Divorce and Its Aftermath by Vicki Lansky, 2003
-When Parents Part: How Mother’s and Fathers Can Help Their Children Deal with Separation and Divorce by Penelope Leach, 2015
Step by Step Guides:
-Helping Children Cope with Divorce by Rosemary Wells, 2003
-Parents are Forever: A Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming Successful Co-parents After Divorce by Shirley Thomas, 2004
For Parents’ Personal Adjustment:
-Crazy Time: Surviving Divorce and Building a New Life by Abigail Trafford, 2014
-Rebuilding When Your Relationship Ends by Bruce Fisher, 2016
