Show:
Family Changes
Helpful Thinking
Taking Care of Me
Feelings & Coping
What Kids Should Know
100

What are some changes kids might notice in their family after a separation?

  • Different homes/routines
  • Different rules at each house
  • Less time with each parent
  • New schedules/holidays
100

What are some ways kids might realize there are other kids/families with divorced parents, too?

  • Talking to friends
  • Hearing “me too” from others
  • Realizing lots of families look different
100

What are some changes that can actually turn out okay—or even better—after parents separate?

  • More calm in some situations
  • Less conflict in one home
  • More one-on-one time
  • New routines that work better
100

What do you think are some of the hardest parts of divorce for kids?

  • Sadness
  • Confusion
  • Anger
  • Worry
  • Missing one parent
100

What are common feelings kids have when they first learn their parents are separating/getting divorced?

  • Shock
  • Sadness
  • Confusion
  • Worry about the future
200

Why might some kids start to feel like a divorce is their fault—even when it isn’t?

  • May try to “make sense” of it
  • They might think, “Did I do something wrong?”
  • Adults don’t always explain things clearly
  • Kids can blame themselves when confused
200

What is something people can say that actually may help kids feel better about divorce?

  • “This isn’t your fault”
  • “Both parents still love you”
  • “It’s okay to feel how you feel”
  • “You don’t have to pick sides”
200

What are some ways kids can take care of themselves during a stressful week?

  • Rest, breaks
  • Doing something enjoyable
  • Talking to someone safe
  • Not overthinking everything
200

What kinds of situations might make kids feel caught in the middle between parents?

  • Hearing negative comments about the other parent
  • Being asked to carry messages/ tell one parent something for the other 
  • Feeling like they have to choose sides
  • Wanting to make both parents happy


200

When parents have to make decisions about kids after a divorce, what are some fair ways they might handle it?

  • Parents may make schedules
  • Agreements about time/rules
  • Talking things through 
  • Trying to be fair (even if imperfect)
300

What are some topics kids might feel uncomfortable talking about with a parent?

  • Parent conflict
  • Feelings about the other parent
  • Big emotions (sadness, anger)
  • Questions they don’t want to upset a parent with
300

What are some things that can distract or give kids a mental break from stress at home?

  • Hobbies, shows, games
  • Time with friends
  • Creative outlets
  • Movement (walks, sports)
300

What are reasons a kid might avoid talking about certain things with a parent?

  • Don't want to upset a parent
  • Not wanting to make things worse
  • Feeling like they have to “protect” feelings
  • Not knowing how it will be received
300

What are small things kids might still appreciate, even during a tough week?

  • Friends
  • Pets
  • Small routines
  • Favorite activities
  • Feeling safe in at least one space
300

Could there be some changes in families after divorce that kids might actually enjoy?

  • Two spaces/rooms
  • Different experiences with each parent
  • New traditions
  • More independence sometimes
400

When kids are dealing with a big problem, how can they figure out if it’s something they should handle alone or get help with?

They could ask themself, “Can I handle this alone?” If it feels too big → ask a safe adult. Look for signs: stuck, overwhelmed, confused

Getting help = strength, not weakness

400

What are healthy ways someone can let out anger without hurting themselves or others?

  • Talking it out
  • Writing/drawing
  • Physical release (pillow, exercise)
  • Taking space instead of reacting
400

One parent seems upset, and the kid does not know why. How can the kid remind themself of what is and is not their responsibility?

  • “This is not my job to fix”
  • “Adults handle adult feelings”
  • Being kind ≠ being responsible
  • It’s okay to step away
400

What are different ways kids can cope when they feel lonely?

  • Reach out to someone
  • Do something comforting
  • Stay busy in a healthy way
  • Remind yourself you're not alone
400

What are things parents can do to help kids feel more comfortable during a divorce?

  • Keep kids out of conflict
  • Listen without pressure
  • Reassure love and and safety
  • Avoid putting kids in the middle
500

If a kid is stuck deciding between two parents who both want something at the same time, what could be some fair or helpful ways to handle it?

  • It’s not the kid’s job to choose
  • Adults should help decide
  • Kids can share preferences, not solve it
  • Fair solutions involve both parents communicating
500

What are some ways kids can help themselves feel a little better (on their own) when they’re sad?

  • Do something comforting
  • Distract + reset
  • Talk to someone safe
  • Remind self: “This will pass”
500

What are some qualities kids can have that help them get through hard family situations?

  • Being patient
  • Asking for help if needed
  • Knowing when to take a break
  • Staying true to themselves
  • Noticing their own feelings/needs 
500

What are some calm and helpful things a kid can do--and ask for--if they forget something at one parent's house?

  • Stay calm (mistakes happen)
  • Tell a parent or ask for help
  • Problem-solve options (go back, replace, adapt)
  • Avoid panic or blaming yourself
  • Ask: “What’s the next best step?” 
500

Is it a kid’s job to manage or fix a parent’s feelings after a divorce? Why or why not?

  • No
  • Adults are responsible for their own feelings
  • Kids can care without fixing
  • Trying to fix it can create more stress
  • Healthy boundary = “I care, but it’s not my job”