January is known as “divorce month1” because there’s a surge in the number of people contacting attorneys to explore divorce after the holidays. Even if they don’t file until March, many people start this process in January.
Research reported in Scientific American in 20132 indicates that 1.5 million children are affected by divorce each year. Their research examined the long-term impact of divorce on children and found that while “the breakup may be painful, …most kids adjust well over time.” The article also states that, “(p)arents can also support their children during this difficult time by talking to them clearly about the divorce and its implications and answering their questions fully.”
Below you’ll find a few examples of our books about divorce and blended families to help you explore the issue with your child. Check out our complete list of books about divorce and blended families for titles that best meet your child’s needs.
That Missing Feeling by Amy Ludwig VanDerWater, ages 4-8
Mia’s life feels split in two after her parents get divorced—even her cat and dog now live in two separate places. When she’s at her dad’s house, Mia misses her mom’s jokes and singing. And when she’s at her mom’s house, she misses her dad’s laugh and cooking. Mia just can’t quite shake that missing feeling.
My Parents Are Divorced, Too: A Book for Kids By Kids, Second Edition
by Melanie, Annie, and Steven Ford, as told to Jann Blackstone-Ford, ages 8-13
Melanie, Annie, and Steven Ford pack lots of simple truths and “I have been through it” advice into this wise little book about their struggles and triumphs through their parents’ divorce.
Now in its second edition, with more insights and humor from cartoonist Charles Beyl, this is the guide for kids with divorced parents, from some of the best teachers around — kids like themselves!
Ginny Morris and Dad’s New Girlfriend by Mary Collins Gallagher, MA, LPC, ages 8-12
Ginny Morris’s parents are divorced, which is bad enough, but now her dad has a girlfriend! Who is this strange man who’s become a clean freak and smiles all the time? Will her dad still be the same dad? Will he still have time for her? Does this ruin any chance her parents will get back together? Does her mom care that Dad has a girlfriend? Is it okay if Ginny likes his girlfriend?
Ginny sorts through her feelings with the help of her best friend, her journal — and finally, some heart-to-heart talks with Mom and Dad themselves.
Check out the Ginny Morris companion book, Ginny Morris and Mom’s House, Dad’s House.
My Mom and Dad Don’t Live Together Anymore: A Drawing Book For Children of Separated or Divorced Parents by Judith Aron Rubin, PhD, ages 4-12
Some things are easier to say with pictures. When parents decide to separate or divorce, children need ways to sort through all the feelings, thoughts, and worries they are facing. This drawing book encourages kids to explore their inner world through both pictures and words, helping them to understand themselves and feel better during a difficult time of change.
A Note for Parents discusses the impact of separation and divorce on the family and describes the value of art therapy in coping with stressful emotions and experiences.
If you find that you or your child are struggling with anxiety or depression during the divorce process, contact your doctor or pediatrician. To locate a therapist near you, use this psychologist locator provided by the American Psychological Association.
1Nowak, Claire. (2020, January 7). This is why January is the biggest month for divorce. Reader’s Digest. https://www.rd.com/article/january-divorce-month/
2Arkowitz, Hal & Lillienfeld, Scott, O. (2013, March 1). Is divorce bad for children? Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/is-divorce-bad-for-children/
