How to Help Your Child Overcome Your Divorce

Divorce is probably one of the most traumatic events that children can experience, and it usually sets off a series of transitions in children's lives that have the potential to seriously affect their development. Thus, as a parent who is divorced or contemplating divorce, you should know that you have the power to approach this time in your life in such a way that your children will adjust successfully to the family's changed circumstances and grow into well-adjusted and competent adults. You and the children's other parent will always remain the most important figures in your children's lives. The greatest tragedy that can befall your children right now is the feeling that they have lost both of their parents. The best feeling is that they have two loving parents and a dependable network of supportive family members and friends. How to Help Your Child Overcome Your Divorceprovides the latest information on helping divorced parents raise their children to be happy, well-adjusted individuals. Written by one of the most respected experts in child and forensic psychiatry, the book offers parents practical, direct advice, with numerous case examples to illustrate specifics. It includes information on support groups and other organizations that divorced parents may find helpful, and it answers some of the most common questions on which divorced parents seek guidance. This book is your guide to: Helping your children adjust to your separation and divorce Telling your children about how the divorce will affect them Reassuring your children that you will continue to love and care for them and then doing just that Helping you avoid many of the parenting pitfalls common after divorce Keeping your relationship with your ex-spouse as free of conflict as possible Cooperating with your ex-spouse on matters pertaining to the children Helping your children feel good about themselves and grow as individuals Helping your children obtain help and guidance from other people

Elissa P. Benedek, M.D., is Director of Research and Training at the Center for Forensic Psychiatry in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Michigan, Michigan State University, and Wayne State University.