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If you’re going through a divorce, you’ll be looking for ways to help you and your children to cope with these changed circumstances. So, for the best books on divorce for kids and adults, read on…
Divorce is one the most challenging life experiences anyone is likely to face. Even if you’re splitting up from your partner on good terms, you will still be forced to contend with the emotional fallout of separation, as well as the practical issues that come as a part of the package.
The divorce process can also be incredibly difficult on your children, especially as they might have a limited understanding of what is happening. That’s where books on divorce can come in very useful, both for you and your children.
Whether you’re looking for advice on dealing with divorce and finance, or tips to help children understand what divorce will mean moving forward, never fear. There are a number of easily accessible books that you can get your hands on. Keep reading to find out more…
5 of the Best Divorce Books for Kids
Reading a book related to divorce with your children can help them to better contextualise and understand what is happening in real life. It can also help your child to express their own feelings and emotions, giving you the chance to make arrangements that better suit their needs. Here are five of the best divorce books to consider for your kids:
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It’s Not Your Fault, Koko Bear (By Vicki Lansky)
Ages 3-7
It’s Not Your Fault, Koko Bear is a story book which focuses on a cub who experiences a range of different emotions while caught in the middle of her parent’s divorce. It’s cleverly written to help children understand what divorce means, how family life might change and, most importantly, learn that the divorce isn’t their fault.
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Two Homes (By Claire Masurel)
Ages 3-7
This story places a focus on what is gained, rather than what is lost during a divorce. It gently reassures children that new practical circumstances do not change the fact both parents still love them. It’s a positively welcome take on a difficult subject.
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What Can I Do? A Book for Children of Divorce (By Danielle Lowry)
Ages 8 and up
This book, aimed more directly at older children, focuses on Rosie, who tries everything to keep her parents together when they tell her that they are getting a divorce. When her parents split anyway, Rosie joins a support group for kids from divorced families, helping her to come to terms with what has happened.
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Divorce Is Not the End of the World (By Zoe and Evan Stern)
Ages 8 and up
This book was written by siblings Zoe and Evan Stern, then ages 15 and 13. It’s a practical guide for children, tackling topics like managing emotions, adjusting to rules in different houses, and how to cope with special occasions like birthdays and Christmas.
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Mom’s House, Dad’s House for Kids (By Isolina Ricci)
Ages 10 and up
Isolina Ricci is a family therapist who wrote this guidebook for older children and teenagers to help them cope with the fallout of a divorce and what comes next. It includes simple lists and worksheets that kids can use to help them through difficult situations arising from a divorce, such as staying neutral during arguments between parents. It’s an adaptation of a book written by the same author, aimed at parents.
5 of the Best Divorce Books for Adults
If you’re going through a divorce, there are a wide range of different arrangements you’ll need advice with. That’s where the following books can come in handy:
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Divorce & Money: How to Make the Best Financial Decisions During Divorce (By Violet P. Woodhouse)
Managing your finances following a divorce is absolutely essential but, without the right guidance, can prove to be extremely difficult. That’s where this guide comes in handy. It provides easy to understand strategies concerning the financial complications of divorce, and the life-altering decisions you may have to make.
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Getting Past Your Breakup (By Susan J. Elliott)
While many books might err towards the process of merely ‘getting through’ your divorce, Getting Past Your Breakup goes well beyond that. Instead, it focuses on transforming your life for the better because of your divorce.
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Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed (By Lori Gottlieb)
This is a series of different stories woven together to create a thoughtful insight into some of the issues that you need to address and resolve after a divorce. This is a great book for anyone that feels as though traditional self-help books are a little overwhelming, as it tackles the issues in a unique and entertaining way.
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You Can Heal Your Heart (By Louise L. Hay & David Kessler)
If you are going through a particularly difficult divorce, then this book can be of great use. It’s a closer look at how you can heal after experiencing grief and emotional damage caused by a traumatic event such as divorce.
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Mom’s House, Dad’s House: Making Two Homes for Your Child (By Isolina Ricci)
We’ve already touched upon the version of this book, which is aimed at children, but this acts as a direct divorce manual for parents. It includes checklists and potential scenarios that you can work through, helping to shift a divorce into perspective.
Are You Going Through a Divorce?
Hopefully, this short guide has given you some literary inspiration and, with any luck, these books can help you and your children to work your way through divorce positively. It’s never going to be plain sailing, but taking the tips from the books on board should set you on your way.
Have you got any more reading suggestions for someone experiencing a divorce? Feel free to leave a comment below so we can keep the discussion going.
Disclosure: This is a collaborative post