3 Excellent Books for Helping Children Cope with a Divorce

A divorce is always a painful time for children, but with the right steps, parents can help their children cope with difficult emotions and retain their sense of self-esteem.

For instance, the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry recommends that couples break news of a divorce together, that they reassure children the divorce is not their fault, and that parents offer simple explanations of events. (See " Children and Divorce ")

To that end, books can be a parent's best ally as they help children adjust to their new life. Each of the following three books includes child-friendly explanations, engaging illustrations, and effective starting points for tough discussions between parents and children. Some parents have found reading these books on a repeated basis helps their children adjust emotionally to their new lifestyle and learn to be happy and successful.

1. "Dinosaurs Divorce" by Marc Brown

A divorce is always a complex ordeal. "Dinosaurs Divorce" offers a reassuring and sympathetic break-down of the changes that may be happening, what to expect at this difficult time, and a conversation piece for you and your children.

2. . "Two Homes" by Claire Masurel

Children need to know that both parents still love them. This excellent book offers children a sense of reassurance at a time of big changes in their lives, when suddenly they're part of two separate households and sleep in two separate bedrooms.

3. "It's Not Your Fault, Ko Ko Bear" by Vicki Lansky

Younger children often believe they are at fault for their parents' divorce, even as you reassure them they are not. This book provides an excellent way for them to truly grasp that fundamental truth: that the divorce is not their fault.