Children of Divorce
In the community group, children, ages 3-18, are invited to attend with one parent.
The primary goals of the group are (1) to help parents and children establish better communication, and (2) to be able to
talk more effectively about the divorce transition and the losses they are experiencing. A secondary goal is to help parents
develop skills to assist in this transition.
Over the years of the program a curriculum has emerged that uses a
variety of resources. For younger children in primary and intermediate grades, the basis is first hand study. Material for
other grades has been adapted from this and other sources. Generally, the children and parents' groups follow the same
themes.
These groups are held two or three times each year for eight weeks for an hour and a half. Leaders of
the groups have completed the SPUSA Divorce Recovery leader training and will have knowledge of the issues of children and
divorce and the curriculum.
School-based groups may follow the same pattern as the community groups with children
and parents participating or may be groups for children without parental involvement. These groups use the same curricula
as the community groups with volunteer leadership from SPUSA or from the local area.
<> Major Points Covered Loss
- Children and their parents going through the transition of divorce experience many losses. Activities are designed to help
children discuss their losses.
<> Feelings - With the losses are the many feelings of grief that many children
have not discussed with anyone.
<> The curriculum focuses on helping children become aware of their feelings and
for their parents to assist them in this endeavor.
<> Special emphasis is made on issues of anger.
<>
Children in the Middle - Many children feel caught in the middle between their parents.
<> Issues of loyalty are
also discussed.
More Changes
Recognizing that out of divorce will come many more changes, including parent
dating and possible remarriage and stepfamily living, the curriculum includes a section on this volatile issue.
