Children have their own adjustment to divorce. Parents in the middle of their own upheaval often feel ill-equipped to effectively guide their kids too. Reading helps. It tells kids they aren’t alone and gives them a framework to begin to understand and deal with their own feelings.
But how to choose from the many books out there? I recently discovered a wonderful resource from Dr. Robert A. Zibbell, Ph.D., a parenting coordinator in Massachusetts. He’s analyzed dozens if not hundreds of books and written an annotated list of some of the best, organized by topic and age groups. There’s a short description of each which will help you find your way to the best ones for your children.
You can find the list at http://www.mass.gov/courts/docs/lawlib/docs/helpful-readings.pdf. Here’s an idea: why not share it with your children’s other parent? If you are working together to nurture your children through the emotional upheaval, they will navigate through these waters far more effectively.
In our office, we have a lending library with a number of good books to help parents help kids through divorce, many of them on this list. You are welcome to borrow from it anytime. In addition, work with your local library or use the Michigan eLibrary, an always available online library for Michigan residents which you can access at http://mel.org/index.php?P=Home.
Reading to our children has always been a rich opportunity for connection. Cuddling up with a parent and a good book may be even more important to them during your divorce.
Wishing you wisdom,
