Understanding Families
What is a family?
A group of people who love and care for each other
How did you feel when you first learned about the family change?
What helps you feel better when you're sad or upset?
Talk about your coping skills
What’s something you like about each home? Or name something you like to do at your home.
Name something you enjoy to do at home!
What is something good that has happened because of your family changes? Or what is something you like best about your family?
Tell me about your family!
Can families look different from one another? How?
Yes—some have one parent, two homes, step-parents, or grandparents raising kids.
What feelings come up when you go between two homes?
Talk about the different feelings you have
Who do you go to when you need to talk?
Who are your safe people?
What’s something that feels hard about having two homes? Or name something that is difficult for you at home?
Talk about your challenges at home.
What are some fun traditions you have with your family?
Talk about your family traditions!
Who is in your family?
List some of your family members!
Do your feelings about the divorce or how you feel toward your family /family change or stay the same over time?
Talk about if your feelings have changed/stayed the same
What are some things you do when you miss someone in your family?
What do you do in this situation?
How do you keep track of your things when you go back and forth? Or what is something that keeps your toys, clothes, etc organized at home?
Talk about your organization strategies
What makes you feel loved in your family?
Talk about something that makes you feel loved!
How has your family changed or how is your family unique?
List how your family has changed or is unique
How do you show or talk about those feelings?
Talk about what you do!
How do you calm yourself down when you're having a hard time?
What rules or routines are different between your homes? Or talk about your daily routine at home.
Talk about your routine.
What does it mean to be a "strong kid" in your family?
what makes you a mentally strong kid?
What do you wish people understood about your family?
Talk about something you wish people understood
What is the hardest feeling you’ve had about your family change, or with your family in general and how did you deal with it?
Talk about your experience!
What’s something you’ve learned that helps you stay strong during family changes or when you argue with your family?
Talk about your favorite coping strategies!
What is your favorite activity to do when you are at your mom's house, dad's house, or with your grandparents/aunt/uncle, etc when you go to their house? Are the activities the different or same?
Talk about your favorite activities!
What advice would you give a new friend who’s just starting to go through a family change? Or what advice would you give to your friend who is having a tough time getting along with their family?
Any advice?