Co-Parenting After Divorce | Jane Leu Rekas, LCSW
Books for Children about Divorce
"Dinosaurs Divorce" by Marc Brown and Laurie Krasny Brown Dinosaurs Divorce (Dino Tales: Life Guides for Families): Brown, Marc, Krasny Brown, Laurie: 9780316109963: Amazon.com: Books
- One of the classic children's books on divorce.
- Uses clear illustrations and simple language.
- Covers common questions about living arrangements, feelings, stepfamilies, and conflict.
- Best for roughly ages 5-10.
"Two Homes" by Claire Masurel
- Reassures children that they can belong in two homes and be loved in both.
- Particularly good for younger children (ages 3-7).
"My Family's Changing" by Pat Thomas
- Directly addresses worries, sadness, anger, and confusion.
- Includes discussion prompts.
- Ages 4-8.
"It's Not Your Fault, Koko Bear" by Vicki Lansky
- Especially helpful for children who blame themselves for the divorce.
- Ages 3-7.
"Was It the Chocolate Pudding?" by Sandra Levins
- Focuses on children's tendency to believe they caused the divorce.
- Ages 4-9.
Books for Parents
"The Truth About Children and Divorce" by Robert E. Emery, PhD
- Written by a leading divorce researcher.
- Evidence-based and compassionate.
- Explains what actually helps children adjust versus what increases risk.
"Mom's House, Dad's House" by Isolina Ricci Mom's House, Dad's House eBook : Ricci Ph.D., Isolina: Kindle Store
- Often considered the classic co-parenting guide.
- Practical strategies for helping children feel secure in two households.
"Helping Your Kids Cope with Divorce the Sandcastles Way" by Gary Neuman
- Very concrete suggestions for talking with children and reducing loyalty conflicts.
"The Co-Parenting Handbook" by Karen Bonnell
- Excellent for parents trying to minimize conflict and communicate effectively after divorce.
Excellent Articles and Online Resources
Sesame Street: Little Children, Big Challenges - Divorce Amazon.com: Little Children, Big Challenges: Divorce (Kit with Sesame Street DVD, A Guide for Parents and Caregivers, and a Children's Storybook, "Two-hug Day"): 9781492620129: Sesame Street, Rebecca Honig-Briggs, MaryBeth Nelson: Movies & TV
- Free videos, stories, and activities for young children.
- Particularly good for preschool and early elementary ages.
Children and Adults with Divorce Education (CADE) Court Approved Parenting Classes Online | Enroll In Parenting Class For Divorce - The Center for Divorce Education
- Many family courts and community programs use their materials for parent education.
American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP)
- Fact sheet: "Children and Divorce."
- Covers age-specific reactions and what parents can do to help.
Child Mind Institute
- Articles such as:
- "Helping Children Cope with Divorce"
- "What Not to Say During a Divorce"
- Age-specific guidance from child psychologists.
- Supporting Kids During a Divorce - Child Mind Institute
Key Messages Parents Should Repeatedly Tell Young Children
Research consistently shows children benefit from hearing:
- "This is not your fault."
- "Both Mom and Dad love you."
- "You don't have to choose sides."
- "The divorce is a grown-up decision."
- "We will keep taking care of you."
