How do you support young children as they experience divorce in their own families? Here are some ideas. (Video also found here.)
So to recap:
- Validate their feelings without overreacting or projecting your own emotions.
- Be a “Charismatic Adult”, providing that arm around the shoulder or a comfy lap to sit on. Don’t make them stand out or feel like a project, but be aware of them and try to connect daily. Make it more about
- Provide consistency and choice whenever possible to provide a sense of stability and control.
- Provide open-ended creative activities (art, writing, dramatic play) to allow them to work through big feelings if and when they choose to.
Resources to Consider:
Resiliency / “Charismatic Adult” – Dr. Sam Goldstein
Helping your Child Through a Divorce {Kids Health}
14 Books to Help Ease Children Through Transitions {Simple Mom}
Journaling Big Feelings {Simple Kids}
What resources or experiences could you add?
Keep sending those questions in to questions@notjustcute.com!
Thanks for this. You have inspired me to finish a children’s book about divorce. In it, two families co-parent respectfully and lovingly. Hopefully, it will be a role model for parents who divorce. Thank you for your fabulous site!
Thank you for your comments. Knowing it makes a difference keeps me writing. Good luck in your book-writing endeavor!