Caught in the Middle: Helping Children Cope with Parental Separation and Divorce - Softcover

Looks at how children are impacted when their parents separate whether the parents were married or in a common law union. Although the focus is on the experience of children in Jamaica, the issues examined are applicable to children across the Caribbean and elsewhere. The authors draw on their combined 40 years of professional clinical experience as well as local and international research to examine the behaviours and life changes of children and adolescents whose parents separate. Importantly, they also speak to the seldom documented grief and hurt that adult children experience when their parents divorce after many years of marriage. This book has useful information for everyone. It can assist parents to help their children deal with this challenging transition. Mental health professionals can learn how to effectively help children and their families manage their symptoms and distress. Ways in which other professionals the teacher, pastor, lawyer or judge, paediatrician or family doctor can help are also discussed and illustrated. We believe a comprehensive effort from the adults who interact with the child is needed to ensure the child survives the separation and thrives even though there has been a significant loss. Caught in the Middle also speaks directly to children. Included in the book is a chapter for young readers which has a therapeutic story and activities that will help children process and begin to talk about their parents separation a critical step in coming to terms with the changes they are experiencing. To the many children who shared their experiences with us about their broken families, may your stories help others learn from the mistakes and the resourcefulness exemplified in your families.