Abstract
As divorce becomes more common, the problems that arise from court-ordered custody and visitation arrangements become more complex. Young children do not understand the concept of divorce. What is important to them is to have parents who are available to meet their needs. During a divorce, children often feel abandoned by both parents, and tend to blame themselves. Parents are often unaware of how their children experience divorce. The stories and creative drawing activities that accompany them help to normalize and validate children's individual feelings and open up communication between children and parents. They also help to educate parents about how a child perceives changes in the family, and offer concrete suggestions for parents to help their child adjust to changing circumstances.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Nancee Biank
Nancee Biank, MSW, LCSW, is Program Director and Director of Children and Family Services at Wellness House, a non-profit organization that offers psychosocial support to cancer patients and their families. The author is in private practice and is co-founder of Partners in Transition.
Together, Biank and Sori are currently working on a professional book entitled Tell Them That We Know … Children's Responses to Illness and Loss, as well as a children's book on bereavement.
Catherine Ford Sori
Catherine Ford Sori, PhD, is University Professor, Division of Psychology and Counseling, Governors State University, University Park, Illinois.
Together, Biank and Sori are currently working on a professional book entitled Tell Them That We Know … Children's Responses to Illness and Loss, as well as a children's book on bereavement.