Broken Strings: Wisdom for Divorced and Separated Families [Paperback]

Deborah Hansen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 16, 2007

Divorce is a messy, emotional event in anyone's life. The separation of the union between two people who thought that "forever" really did apply to them has enough trauma to fill any novel or blockbuster movie. But when children are thrown into the mix an already explosive situation takes on a heart-breaking perspective that most parents are not ready to deal with. Broken Strings: Wisdom for Divorced and Separated Families is an offering to the families who are currently navigating through a divorce or separation. It is also for those who made the trip previously and are now finding that it isn't really ever finished. Separation is a life-altering experience for everyone involved, today and into the future of each family. As such it deserves more than endless repetitive lists or lengthy academic studies that divorced parents don't have time to read. It demands that we all help each other from one side of the chasm to the other by building a bridge constructed of the truth as experienced by someone who has already been on the journey. The author is a survivor of fifteen years of divorced parenting, and recognizes that separated families are part of the fabric of today's society, making their way along a new path as best they can. Although their structure has been altered, these families can find their way to a new reality and can be healthy again. Dr. David Brooks, Ph.D. endorses "Broken Strings": "EXCELLENT! This is a 'must read' for everyone who is going through a divorce or for those counseling divorcing couples. The strength of this work is the practical and easy-to-understand message. It goes well beyond the superficial by focusing on coping with real-life emotions, and stresses and offers strategies for surviving the difficult rollercoaster of divorce"

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Deborah Hansen is a veteran teacher, divorced parent, and writer. Her work includes a regular column, "Building Kids of Character", that appears monthly in First Coast Parent Magazine as well as on the Web. She has also written articles for Women's Digest, Kids 'n Sports, and provides a monthly column on divorced parenting to attorneys. Ms. Hansen has worked with teenagers for fifteen years, and most recently has trained teachers, administrators, and parents on the importance of positive role modeling in raising children of character. Since leaving the educational arena, Ms. Hansen has launched JDC Educational Enterprises, Inc. a consulting firm that focuses on parent workshops and providing support to school systems in the implementation of character education. She lives in Jacksonville, Florida, and can be reached at [e-mail].

Product Details

• Paperback: 78 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse; 9781425998578 edition (April 16, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1425998577
• ISBN-13: 978-1425998578
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,066,291 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome must read book!!, September 25, 2007

By 

Barbara Green (Ponte Vedra Beach, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Broken Strings: Wisdom for Divorced and Separated Families (Paperback)

Recently I read a book called "Broken Strings" by Deborah Hansen. This is a book that is especially helpful for families going through a divorce. The book is easy to read and offers practical advice and hope for the future. This book is also a great help for any teacher, counselor, therapist, or friend trying to help an adult or child dealing with a divorce. There are also so very useful tips for dealing with the school system and financial matters that can help you save time, money, and emotional stress. I highly recommend "Broken Strings". There is something for everyone in this helpful and easy to read practical book.

5.0 out of 5 stars An essential divorced parenting resource, May 18, 2009

By 

Erin Kelley-Soderholm "BellaOnline Mental Hea... (Jacksonville, FL) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Broken Strings: Wisdom for Divorced and Separated Families (Paperback)

When it comes to single or shared parenting after divorce, consider this book your friend, support group, and how-to manual. With compassion and astounding efficiency, Hansen addresses potential pitfalls in bite-sized chapters so that even the busiest parent can benefit from her wisdom.

In 20 short chapters, Hansen covers topics including: the challenges of solo parenting; knowing your limits; relationships with ex-spouses and step-parents; manipulation; getting help from others; holidays; and caring for your own health. In addition to addressing topics that are likely to cause parents to stumble, Hansen shares the tools that she used to regain her balance.

The format of the book is succinct and practical. Single parents have little time for reading, so chapters are limited to two or three short pages. In just minutes, parents can absorb the information and put it into practice. Hansen gets straight to the point, but keeps the material lively with an encouraging tone and inspirational quotations.

Other self-help books can't match Hansen's personal insight into the emotional and practical needs of divorced and separated parents. Hansen knows what it's like to balance the needs of her child with her own process of recovery during and after divorce. Just like a good support group, she shows empathy and compassion while offering supportive advice and hope for the future.

Broken Strings is one of those books that I'll buy again and again because I'll keep giving my copy away. I consider it a must-read for parents, teachers, mediators, and friends of single parents. It's an essential resource for anyone who aims to understand, survive, and thrive during and after a divorce and separation.

Erin Kelley-Soderholm, M.Ed.
BellaOnline Mental Health Editor

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Common sense and sensitivity in single parenting, August 16, 2007

By 

Cynthia T. Gilmore (Missouri) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Broken Strings: Wisdom for Divorced and Separated Families (Paperback)

Human foibles and the pitfalls of single parenting never seemed so universal and acceptable as they do in this new release by Deborah Hansen. As a former educator for over 30 years, I appreciate the difficulties in raising a child or children alone. I have seen many parents struggle with the isolation, rejection, uncertainties, aloneness and depression experienced on a daily basis. Ms. Hansen shares her own painful experiences and mistakes with readers and helps them realize they may not be alone in their experiences. She offers insightful and simple suggestions based on a lifetime of her own ups and downs in parenting as a single mother. Sometimes the seemingly obvious needs to be restated. I look forward to more pearls of wisdom from Ms. Hansen.