Children, Feelings and Divorce: Finding the Best Outcome

Author – Heather Smith

Age Range – 3-16+

Key words – Divorce and separation

This is a book for parents who are divorced, separated or in the process of separating and are concerned about the implications of this for their children. It acknowledges the great numbers of people who find themselves in this situation, and balances well the attention it gives to the feelings and positions of adults and those of their children- because after all they are inexorably linked.

Children, Feelings and Divorce covers events that may be experienced from the time of separation, through to more long-term issues such as mediation and contact- and the emotional reactions that may accompany each of these. A consistently practical approach is taken, which does not shy away from complex issues that may exist around a divorce including domestic violence and abuse.

A helpful chapter at the end is written specifically for the children of parents who no longer live together; but of course it is up to parents whether or not they wish to share this with their child.

Written both for parents and professionals, this book is a product of the author’s 25 years of experience as a clinical social worker. The content is very serious, and at times dense. It is a somewhat challenging read; though it is difficult to see how this topic could have been addressed so comprehensively in a more accessible way. The structure of the book, however, does permit the reader to dip into relevant sections rather than having to read the whole text, making it less daunting than it might at first appear.