You’ve probably heard the statistic that 50% of marriages end in divorce. It’s so hard for adults to navigate these upsetting changes but how are the children doing? I am certain they are worried and confused, even in the most amicable of cases.
To help your child, an age-appropriate book might be a useful way to navigate their feelings through the divorce and separation and open conversations about what you are all experiencing. It might help you to see things from their point of view so you can help them prepare for what lies ahead.
Here is a list of books that you might consider: –
1. Books for the very small (2+)
I’ll never let you go by Smriti Prasadam-Halls – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ill-Never-Let-You-Go/dp/1681190605
For comfort and reassurance
Living with mum and living with dad: my two homes – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Mum-Dad-Two-Homes/dp/1406341762
Moving between homes, changes to routine
The Family Book by Todd Parr – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Family-Book-Todd-Parr/dp/0316070408
Looks at different kinds of families
Guess how much I love you by Sam McBratney – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Guess-How-Much-Love-You/dp/1406358789
Comforting and reassuring
2. Books for little children (recommended 3-8 yrs)
Mum and Dad Glue by Kes Gray – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mum-Dad-Glue-Kes-Gray/dp/0340957115
Helps coming to terms with parents’ separation
Where Did You Go Today? By Jenny Duke – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Where-today-Childs-Play-Library/dp/1786282003
Focuses on paternal separation
The Invisible String By Patrice Karst – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Invisible-String-Patrice-Karst/dp/031648623X
To deal with separation anxiety and reassurance
Two Homes by Claire Masurel – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Two-Homes-Claire-Masurel/dp/0744589258
Deals with parents’ separation, moving between two homes
The Great Big Book of Families by Mary Hoffman – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Great-Big-Book-Families/dp/1847805876
Explores change in family dynamics and non-traditional families
Living with Mum and Living with Dad: My Two Homes By Melanie Walsh – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Living-Mum-Dad-Two-Homes/dp/1406341762
Parents’ separation and moving between two homes
3. Books for children aged 9+
The Suitcase Kid by Jacqueline Wilson – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Suitcase-Kid-Jacqueline-Wilson/dp/0440867738
Explores blended families and living in two homes.
Goggle Eyes by Anne Fine – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Goggle-Eyes-Puffin-Book-Anne-Fine/dp/0140340718
Looks at new partners and step-parents
Mum, Dad Can You Hear Me? By Despina Mavridou – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mum-Dad-can-you-hear/dp/B08QDSNG6R
Deals with expressing emotions and getting parents to listen
Clean Break by Jacqueline Wilson – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Clean-Break-Jacqueline-Wilson/dp/0440868505
Considers rejection, absence and step-parents
It’s not the end of the world by Judy Blume – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Its-Not-World-Judy-Blume/dp/0330398105
Deals with family conflict and separation
Useful links:
The Book Trust: Best children’s books to help talk about divorce and separation
Get in touch
If you need support and advice on getting a divorce, or other family law issues, please do contact me on 01226 103054 or email me at [email protected].
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