From Heart and Mind Teaching

The Riding the Wave of Divorce Workbook – Processing for Kids is designed to help children understand and cope with the emotional impact of their parents’ divorce or separation. This workbook offers a structured approach to processing feelings, learning coping skills, and adjusting to changes in family dynamics.

Key Sections and Activities:

  1. Understanding Divorce:
    • The workbook begins by explaining divorce in simple, age-appropriate language. This section helps demystify what divorce means, addressing common questions children may have about why parents separate and what it means for their family.
  2. Exploring Emotions:
    • Children are guided to identify and name their emotions, from sadness and anger to confusion and relief. Through activities like drawing and journaling, they can express how they feel about the changes in their family, providing a safe outlet for complex emotions.
  3. Coping Skills:
    • Practical coping strategies are introduced, such as deep breathing exercises, grounding techniques, and positive self-talk. These skills help children manage strong emotions and build resilience in the face of family changes.
  4. Building a Support System:
    • This section encourages children to think about trusted adults and friends they can turn to for support. Activities include listing people who make them feel safe and considering ways to ask for help when they need it.
  5. Adjusting to New Routines:
    • Children are prompted to reflect on new family schedules or living arrangements. The workbook provides space for them to map out routines, helping them feel more secure and in control.
  6. Focusing on Self-Care:
    • Emphasising the importance of self-care, this section encourages children to think about activities they enjoy and that help them feel calm, like reading, drawing, or spending time with pets.
  7. Expressing Hope for the Future:
    • In the final section, children are guided to express positive hopes or wishes for the future. This may include hopes for their family, personal goals, or things they look forward to, promoting a sense of optimism and security.

The Riding the Wave of Divorce Workbook is a valuable tool for parents, educators, and counsellors working to support children through the challenges of divorce. By addressing emotions, building coping skills, and fostering resilience, this workbook provides children with a constructive way to process their experiences and adapt to family changes.

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