10 easy steps for healthy children of divorce
This book was written by Shannon Rios Paulsen, a licensed marriage and family therapist who specializes in families that have gone through divorce or conflict since 2003. This book is targeted at parents going through divorce or separation, and they want to minimize the effect of a divorce on their children.
The book describes a simple but life altering ten step process for parents who wish to ensure the best outcomes for their kids. This process involves making the best choices for your children to ensure their long-term health, working with your co parent to protect your children, communicating effectively with your co parent and releasing the past so that you can create a love filled future with your children.
It’s easy, actionable to read and provides you with actions that can guarantee the best outcome for your children. It sets out guidelines that allow coparents to make the best environment for their children when they are faced with family challenges. Ten chapters, each of which focuses on a single stage in the process, are laid down in the book.
Chapter 1: Make a Promise to Your Children
encourages parents to make a promise to their children that they will do everything in their power to create a healthy future life for them. There are tips on how to handle effective communication with your coparenting partner in this chapter.
Chapter 2: Partner with Your Co-Parent
emphasizes the importance of working together with your co-parent for the sake of your children. The chapter provides tips on how to communicate productively with your co-parent and how to avoid common pitfalls.
Chapter 3: Take Actions That Will Protect Your Children During This Time
provides practical advice on how to protect your children during this difficult time. The chapter goes on to show you how to talk about divorce, help your kids cope with their emotions and make sure they’re always in a normal state.
Chapter 4: How To Talk Effectively with Your Coparent
Tips on Effective Communication are given in the ‘Communicating Productively’ section of this book. The chapter includes advice on how to avoid common communication pitfalls, such as blaming or criticizing your co-parent.
Chapter 5: Release your past for a Loveful Future with Your Kids
encourages parents to let their past hurts and resentments pass, thus enabling them to take the next step in building a happier future for themselves and their children.
Chapter 6: Create a Parenting Plan That Works for Everyone
provides practical advice on how to create a parenting plan that works for everyone involved. The chapter also contains advice for negotiating effectively with your cohabitant and developing a plan that is appropriate to the needs of both parents and children.
Chapter 7: Make sure you are taking care of your children’s needs at this difficult time”
focuses on the importance of paying attention to their needs. The chapter teaches you how to have a presence in your children’s lives, listen actively and accept their feelings.
Chapter 8: Take care of yourself
encourages parents to take care of themselves during this difficult time. What you need to know about managing stress, getting enough sleep and eating well is included in this chapter.
Chapter 9: Stay Connected with Your Children
provides practical advice on how to stay connected with your children during this difficult time. The chapter provides advice on how to maintain a sense of normalcy in their lives, how to remain involved in their activities, and how to make time for one-on-one time.
Chapter 10: Celebrate Your Successes
encourages parents to celebrate their successes along the way. Tips on how to recognise progress, celebrate milestones and stay motivated are part of the chapter.
Finally, the book “The Healthy Kids of Divorce in 10 Simple Steps” is a great source for parents who have gone through divorce or separation and want to mitigate the impact on their children. The book is easy for the reader to understand, providing practical advice that parents can apply at any time. Parents can create a healthy and fulfilling future for themselves and their children by following the ten steps outlined in this book.
