Adoption

This entry is in response to a blog post in ChicagoNow on 3-12-2011. The author openly shares his experiences being adopted at six days old and feeling the emotional ramifications of it well into adulthood.

Helping Children Handle Divorce

The entries this month have been dedicated to helping parents understand the impact of divorce on their children and finding ways to best manage the separation and changes. Children and their parents experience a number of feelings, have so many questions, and wonder about the future when divorce is imminent. There are numerous factors to take into consideration when talking to children about divorce (e.g., age, developmental level, relationship between the parents, feelings of separation/loss, anger, guilt, blame, etc.) and it can be difficult to understand all of the dynamics involved. Below are a couple of links that may provide additional resources when helping children understand divorce.

Mom's House, Dad's House - Children and Divorce Article

Mom's House, Dad's House: Making Two Homes for Your Child

Mom's House, Dad's House for Kids: Feeling at Home in One Home or Two

Children and Divorce: Helping Kids Cope with Separation and Divorce

Children and Divorce: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Helping Children Understand Divorce

key words: children and divorce, child well-being, children's feelings, grief and loss, parenting, psychological growth

Grief and Loss

With the new year comes new goals, hopes, and challenges. It can also mean letting go of some things from the past - an activity, a friendship, a loved one who passed. The idea of letting go can lead to grief and loss in children.