2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book is very comprehensive and easy to read ... a GREAT resource for a young person in a split in two family!, December 6, 2009
This review is from: Split In Two: Keeping it Together When Your Parents Live Apart (Paperback)
Divorce is a difficult thing for everyone in a family to go through, not just the parents. It is especially difficult on the children in the family because they never know if they are coming or going, sometimes literally. The author herself had to figure out "how to make [her] life work while living n two homes" and often "felt disoriented and unsettled." There are two of everything when finding oneself in such a situation from something as simple as two beds to the more complicated "two sets of rules." There are pros and cons of living in two homes and the arrangements can be somewhat complicated. A young person and his or her parents need to be "partners, not opponents." Something easier said than done!
One striking thing, that only cropped up at the end of the book were three facts primarily aimed at the parents: "Say only nice things about each other." "Don't use you as their messenger." "Leave the interrogation to the cop shows." Great food for thought. In this book the young person will learn about how to deal with new living arrangements, negotiating needs, making your rooms feel homey, dealing with a "crazy schedule," learning how to pack, gaining a bit of financial independence (jobs, allowances), dealing with your parents, adjusting and moving on with your life. "Two sets of rules, two sets of responsibilities: one case of confusion." Get the picture?
I was quite impressed with this comprehensive and easy to read book. I learned a lot about the difficulties young people go through when they are trying to cope with parents who have split. Because the author is a "been there, done that person" in this situation she speaks very wisely from experience. As a parent, but not one in a split home, I was stunned by the number of things young people have to cope with. After I read this book, I was in two minds about it. I could recommend that parents read it to gain an understanding of what their children have to go through, but on the other hand there are books for them. My recommendation would be to purchase this book and give it to your child . . . unopened. It is a personal book, one that only someone who is going through can understand and work through.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very, very helpful, February 12, 2009
This review is from: Split In Two: Keeping it Together When Your Parents Live Apart (Paperback)
This book is an excellent resource for any teenager whose parents are splitting or split. It gives them practical advice on how to handle it. The book starts with a section on negotiation which is crucial for kids in this situation. I'm a middle school guidance counselor and I bought a dozen to give to kids when they need it. I'm also going to give one to my stepdaughter when she gets a little older and has more control over her own schedule. I highly recommend this.
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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This book is for everyone., April 27, 2010
This review is from: Split In Two: Keeping it Together When Your Parents Live Apart (Paperback)
Even though my parents aren't divorced, I was interested in the contents and decided to give it a read. I found it to be so much different than anything I've ever read before. The book is really frank in tone and was really relatable, and I keep thinking to myself, "what would I do?" if I were in the particular scenarios the book talks about. It's basically all about how to communicate with people, letting them know your needs, and how to find workable situations for yourself. I thought this advice was pretty universal, and think it's worth reading whether your parents are divorced or still together or some other arrangement.
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