My Family is Changing: A Book About Divorce – Helping Children Understand and Cope

Navigating family changes, especially divorce, can be a confusing and emotional experience for children and young adolescents. Written by a father of six and his wife, “My Family is Changing: A Book About Divorce” is designed to provide children with the ability to understand the situations occurring in their daily lives during this challenging time. This book offers a sensitive and straightforward explanation of divorce, addressing the causes, the potential future, and, most importantly, reinforcing the message that the end of their parents’ relationship is not their fault.

“My Family is Changing” aims to provide children with a first-hand look at explaining divorce1. It simplifies this difficult topic through a picture book format, making it appropriate for a K-4 grade level1. While not intended for daily classroom content, it serves as an effective tool for school psychologists or counselors to help specific children facing this issue1.

The book touches on many points children involved in a divorce might struggle with understanding1. It explains in clear terms what divorce is and some of the situations or feelings that might arise1. The story is written in a chronological order, starting with the basic terms of divorce and what it all means1. From there, it goes into living with only one parent and the changes involved1. The inclusion of “What about you?” sections prompts children to think about their own feelings and experiences, encouraging conversation with an adult if being read aloud1. These questions offer children the chance to really think about divorce, whether they have experienced it in their household, in another family member’s house, or even a close friend’s1. It expresses that it’s okay to talk about these situations and that children should voice their curiosity on the subject and not be shushed1.

“My Family is Changing” explores the fears, worries, and questions that boys and girls face when their family goes through this difficult period of breaking up13. It explains these feelings in terms children will readily understand1. The book acknowledges the emotional impact of divorce and helps children express their emotions, process their thoughts, and find comfort2.

Key themes within the book include understanding, acceptance, and discovering feelings about a major change in life1.

Key Features:

• Explains Divorce in Simple Terms: Helps children understand what divorce is and why it happens.
• Reassures Children It’s Not Their Fault: Reinforces the message that children are not responsible for their parents’ break-up478.
• Encourages Open Communication: Promotes discussion and helps children express their feelings.
• Addresses Common Concerns: Touches on many points children struggle with understanding during a divorce1.
• Chronological Approach: Presents information in a logical order, starting with basic terms and moving to living with one parent1.
• Interactive Elements: Includes “What about you?” sections to prompt reflection and conversation1.
• Suitable for Young Children: Uses simplified language and colorful illustrations5.

“My Family is Changing” offers a starting point to begin explaining divorce to your child478. It is a valuable resource for parents, counselors, and educators seeking to support children through the emotional challenges of divorce. By providing a clear and compassionate explanation, this book helps children understand their feelings, cope with change, and maintain a sense of security during a difficult time. The fears, worries, and questions that boys and girls face when their family goes through this difficult period of breaking up are explained in terms children will readily understand1.

This book is a great resource for kids struggling with divorce at a young age to read1. It can be used as an effective tool for helping a specific child facing this issue1. It’s an emotional book that covers the topic of families and divorce, acknowledging that it is not a happy or exciting topic for children1. It’s okay to talk about these situations, and children should voice their curiosity on the subject and not be shushed1.

This book is a great way to counsel small kids through this change1. It defines and explains divorce with good prompts/discussion questions along the way to ask your child1.

“My Family is Changing Activity Book for Children” is also available as a beautifully illustrated PDF resource that supports children as they navigate the challenges of their parents’ divorce2. This interactive activity book offers colorful and engaging exercises, addresses basic questions, and helps children express their emotions2.