One of the mums in our FB community was looking for suggestions for children’s books that offer a healthy perspective on family separation. We thought it might be good to put it out to all of you and ask: what books have you come across for kids, about separated (or separating families)? We’ve compiled this list from the responses and added a few other resources that we hope will help you if you’re going through this…
Books for kids
Max’s Divorce Earthquake (2019) by Rachel Brace
Mum and Dad Glue (2010) by Kes Gray
Two Homes (2013) by Claire Masurel
Two of Everything (2000) by Babette Cole
Was it the Chocolate Pudding? A Story for Little Kids About Divorce (2005) by Sandra Levins
Skimming Stones: A Story about Overcoming a Family Breakdown (2007) by Steve Heron
Sam’s Sunday Dad (1999) by Margaret Wild
My Family’s Changing (1999) by Pat ThomasTop of Form
I Will Always Love You – Helping Kids Cope With Divorce and Separation by Aya Alasbali
The Day the Sea Went Out and Never Came Back (2003) by Margot Sunderland
Mom’s House, Dad’s house: Making two homes for your child (1997) Isolina Ricci Ph.D.
When Your Parents’ Divorce: A Kid-To-Kid Guide to Dealing with Divorce (2013) by Kimberly King
The Mending Chronicles of Liam and Emily A Divorce Recovery Journey for Kids (2019) by Natalie Knox
The Divorce Helpbook for Kids Rebuilding Books, for Divorce and Beyond (2001) by Cynthia Macgregor
The Invisible String (2014) by Patrice Karst (separation anxiety)
The Family Forest (2015) by Kim Kane (blended families)
The Family Book (2009) by Todd Parr (different family situations)
Who’s in my family: All about our families (2015) by Robie H. Harris (different family situations)
Books for parents
Talking to Children About Divorce: A Parent’s Guide to Healthy Communication at Each Stage of Divorce: Expert Advice for Kids’ Emotional Recovery (2016) by Jean McBride
Shared Care or Divided Lives: What’s Best for Children when Parents Separate (2008) by Phil Watts
Divorce is Not the End of the World: Zoe & Evan’s Coping Guide for Kids (2008) by Zoe Stern
The Truth about Children and Divorce: Dealing with the Emotions so You and Your Children can Thrive (2006) by Robert Emery Ph.D.
Co-Parenting 101: Helping Your Kids Thrive in Two Households After Divorce (2013) by Deesha Philyaw and Michael D. Thomas
Your Kids After Divorce, The Care Of Your Kids After Your Divorce (2017) By Steven Robbet
Surviving Your Split (2017) by Lucy Mannering and Rebekah Mannering
What About the Kids? Raising Your Children Before, During, and After Divorce (2003) by Judith Wallerstein
Don’t Divorce Us! Kids Advice to Divorcing Parents (2000) by Rita Sommers-Flanagan
Apps and other useful links
What About the Children? Parenting information booklet from Relationships Australia.
Sesame Street, Divorce Resource App (2013) available for free download. Designed to help parents and children through this time. Includes tips and art activities to help with emotions etc.
Kids & Divorce App (2015). Interactive animation downloadable app for kids and families going through divorce and different stages of family reorganisation.
The 18 Best Things You Can Do For Your Kids After Divorce (2015)
Good Grief useful fact sheet on supporting families through separation and divorce.
Family Court Australia Children and Separation Guidance (2016)
Image credit: ©Viktoriia M/Adobe Stock