Review:
The Divorce Helpbook for Kids is a very useful tool for children, age 12 and under experiencing the divorce of their parents. This book addresses the concerns and questions that occur with the life-changing event of divorce in a comforting and age-appropriate way. The book addresses practical concerns such as visitation, changes in financial situations, and housing changes. It allows for reflection, as children wonder what happened between their parents and why they can't stay married. Further, it encourages children to hypothesize about what will happen next and what life will look like for them in the future. The section in the book entitled "Parents are Human, Too" addresses some of the mistakes parents make during their divorce process, such as using their children as spies, sending messages to the other parent through the child, or leaning on their children too much.

 

This book gives practical ways for the child to understand what is going on and how they can get help so they are not placed in the middle of their parents' divorce. From a counseling standpoint, this book provides many talking points pertinent to children of divorce. The language of the book is comforting and gentle, yet to the point. With the prevalence of divorce in our society, this book is a useful tool for anyone who works with children.