For Kids

First, read the book yourself! It's an easy read that will help you reinforce your individual parenting style and suggest options to help evaluate the challenges of family change. It can reinforce your role as a parent.

Second, with children under 9 years old, select passages to read together based on his or her age and temperament. The section, "What's True" and "What's Not True" on pages 9-10, and the maps of Divorce Territory and/or Stepfamily Territory can be especially helpful as a start.

Third, for children 9-10, select passages to discuss together or let the older ones read it alone.

Fourth, for tweens, teens and older teens, let them see you reading it. While some children want to read passages with a parent, older tweens and teens don't want to be seen reading a book like this or even talk about it with a parent. But they want the information. Leave it out, let them see you reading a few pages, and ask no questions. When children know you have read the same book, they know you will both have the same frame of reference, especially for the tough issues. Check www.isolinaricci.com for tips on How to Talk to your Teen about Divorce coming in early 2009.

• Free lesson plans - Click Here
  
  
• Check out the maps. See “Separation and Divorce Territory map - Click Here
  
  
• Check out the different conflict resolution approaches for both parents and kids on pages 103-112;151-155; 233-242
  
  
• Use selected sections in the book, for example "The Miserable Middle", or "Feeling Soup" as part of a treatment plan.