Divorced but Still My Parents [Paperback]

Shirley Thomas (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 6 and up | Grade Level: 1 and up

Divorced But Still My Parents is a textbook, workbook and storybook for children ages six through twelve. Based on the grief recovery model, this guide gently encourages boys and girls to understand the feelings caused by the parents' separation, and gives them specific strategies to cope. Parents can read Divorced But Still My Parents along with their children, and support the acceptance of changes in the family structure. Instructors in childrens' groups recommend Divorced But Still My Parents as an invaluable textbook for children.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Shirley Thomas, PhD, is a psychologist in Colorado who has helped thousands of parents and children cope with divorce and separation. In addition to writing three educational books, she has developed classes and programs to help moms and dads restructure the separated family. Dr. Thomas regularly serves as a court appointed mediator or evaluator, and works in the community to promote cooperative parenting after separation. She speaks at local and national conferences, encouraging professionals and parents to put the needs of the children first.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 6 and up
  
• Paperback: 76 pages
• Publisher: Springboard Publications (December 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0964637855
• ISBN-13: 978-0964637856
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 7.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #77,597 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > Children's Books > Social Situations > Family Life > Marriage & Divorce
  • #71 in Books > Health, Fitness & Dieting > Relationships > Divorce

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Communication Starter, July 14, 2007

By 

Lora L. Human "(((*_*)))" (GA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Divorced but Still My Parents (Paperback)

I loved this book for my children. I bought three copies, one for each of my children because it is workbook style. It is a great book for those that are going through a divorce right now or for those that have already been adjusted but want to open communication just to make sure things aren't left unspoken (I've been divorced for three years and my children still loved talking about it). My almost four year old is a little too young but still enjoyed the one on one help with it. I LOVED it for my six year old and eight year old. The eight year old wanted to do the whole book in one night while the six year old got a little worn out after a few topics. But, it is easy to pick back up and start where you left off, so either way works well.

My eight year old is a boy that doesn't "talk" much about his feelings. This was the best book to get him to open up and share some things he was happy about and some things he wanted changed. Not that he all of a sudden did that on his own after reading the book. It was the book itself that pulled it out of him. For example, he never says I'm mad because of this or that. But, the book opens up communication about anger and leads the children into filling in the blanks and I heard my son express for the first time that he was angry that we don't have anymore family pictures with his dad in them. I don't think he would have EVER expressed that on his own. And if he had it would have been in a heated rage. The books helps them explore and reflect on anger but doesn't cause them to be angry, if that makes sense.

The book is written in a way where right when it is about to be too much emotional talk for the kids it switches to a story about a kitten who has a lot of the same experiences and feelings my children have (including getting a new step-mom and siblings, etc.). It helps the children see that some things are the same and some things are different and gives them tools to deal appropriately with some of the emotions they may be having.

One other thing I would like to point out is that it doesn't have to be a book that you have to do with your child. If your child can read and write they could do it on their own and it could be a journal type thing that helps them with their feelings. I just personally liked doing it with my children so it could be a communication starter.

**WARNING** This is NOT a book for the single mother or father where the other parent is absent. It talks over and over about spending time with mom and dad and both parents loving the children, etc.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I have read for children of divorced parents, April 3, 2002

By 

J. Lewis (Utah) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Divorced but Still My Parents (Paperback)

The authors shared the real life emotions that young children feel when they have to deal with the divorce of their parents. This book is a workbook for a young child, to be read and talked about with a caring adult. The story of Kristen, the cat, was skillfully written to help children feel understood, how to handle new members of the family that might come, and how to not be the "messenger" for each parent. It inspired me. It gave me hope that I can help them feel "whole" again. It is the book that I will choose as a gift for adults who want to help young children understand and talk about what they are experiencing.