Activities for Helping Children Deal With Divorce (MU Extension)

From MU Extension at the University of Missouri-Columbia, “Activities for Helping Children Deal With Divorce” suggests a multitude of activities that parents can do with their children to “help them work through their feelings, concerns and frustrations regarding the divorce.”  Though specifically designed for parents, these activities can generally be done by any caring adult with a child of divorce.

By way of introduction, the article explains:

The process of divorce is a challenging life transition for both parents and children. During a divorce, children often feel a variety of conflicting emotions. Parents should provide their children with understanding and support. This guide aims to help parents support their children and help them work through their feelings, concerns and frustrations regarding the divorce.

Specific details and ideas are included for each of the types of activities which include:

• Drawing Pictures
• Conversation Starters
• Communicating from a Difference
• Reading and Writing Stories
• Playing Together
• Making a Personal History Time Line
• Exercising
• Making a Time Capsule

The article concludes by explaining why it is important for parents to help their kids through divorce:

Divorce is a difficult adjustment for children and parents. All family members must deal with a wide variety of emotions and change the way they live. Despite their own struggles in the divorce process though, parents still have an obligation to provide their children with love, nurturing and a sense of stability. Relationship-building activities can help parents connect with their children and better understand their children’s feelings and concerns. With time, patience and creativity, children and parents can successfully work through the effects of divorce together.

LINK TO RESOURCE:

http://extension.missouri.edu/p/GH6602

LINK TO PDF FILE:

http://extension.missouri.edu/explorepdf/hesguide/humanrel/gh6602.pdf