18 Resources that counselors can use with families of divorce
I recently attended the Alabama Counselors Association Conference 2016 and put together this list of resources for counselors to help them better serve families of divorce. Most of these resources are specific to school counselors but not all of them are. I hope you will find these resources helpful! Please email me if you found them helpful or you have other resources to add at sara@sparrowcounsel.com.
1. Consultations with teachers and others
Counselors it is important to collect some collateral data from significant people in the child's life to find out where the child is struggling. Consulting with teachers often helps in preventing and addressing possible academic issues as well as emotional issues.
2. In-service training for teachers
This training can help teachers better understand the deeper issues families of divorce are facing.
(Call Sparrow Counseling for a free 15-minute in-service training at www.sparrowcounsel.com)
3. Support group for Children of Divorce
a. Children of Divorce Intervention Program (Evidence-based program) i. K-1, Grades 2-3, Grades 4-6, Grades 7-8- $125 ii. K-3rd grade, 4th-8th grade- $225 iii. Studies have found that participants in the children's intervention program showed an increase in adjustment to divorce, especially in positive self and family feelings and children’s ability to cope with the divorce.
4. Banana Splits Resource Center-
Resources for children with divorced/deceased parents (http://www.bananasplitsresourcecenter.org)
a. Marquardt, E. Between Two Worlds: The Inner Lives of Children of Divorce (Crown Pub., NY, 2005)
A study of people in their 20's & 30's; compares responses from divorced, unhappy/high conflict, unhappy/low conflict, and happy marriages. Bottom line: regardless of how "good" the divorce is, the toll is high on the children.
b. Pedro-Carroll, JoAnne. Putting Children First: Proven Parenting Strategies for Helping Children Thrive Through Divorce (Penguin, 2010)
Complete, sensitive guide for parents, by the developer of another school-based program, the Children of Divorce Intervention Program (see Materials to Help Plan Children's Groups, below.)
c. Site for a licensed program started by a family court judge. Contains good books and ideas for kids' groups and for parents: www.KidsTurnsd.org
5. Middle School Counselor
Talking about Divorce- come up with some activities to help kids. http://www.themiddleschoolcounselor.com/2015/01/talking-about-divorce.html
6. Support Group Curriculum for Kids of Divorce
a. http://www.listen2kids.net/books.html
Coparenting Books
7. Baker, A., & Andre, K. (2015). Getting through my parents' divorce: A workbook for children coping with divorce, parental alienation, and loyalty conflicts. New York City, NY: Instant Help Books.
8. Bonnell, K., & Little, K. (2014). The Co-Parents' Handbook: Raising well-adjusted, resilient, and resourceful kids in a two-family home from little ones to young adults. N.p.: Coach Mediate Consult.
9. Pedro-Carroll, J. (2010). Putting children first: Proven strategies for helping children thrive through divorce. N.p.: Avery.
10. Sullivan, M., & Moran, J. (2015). Overcoming the co-parenting trap: Essential parenting skills when a child resists a parent. Natick, ME: Overcoming Barriers.
11. Warshak, R. (2010). Divorce poison: How to protect your family from bad-mouthing and brainwashing. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
12. Daughtry, T. (2011). Co-Parenting Works! Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan. (Christian-based book)
13. Ricci, I. (2012). The Coparenting Toolkit. San Ramon, CA: Custody & CoParenting Solutions.
14. Fisher, D., & Albert, D. (2016). Rebuilding: When your relationship ends. Atascadero, CA: Impact Publishers. (For the parents who are trying to move forward and rebuild their lives. This is a faith-based book.)
If you know of families are stuck in their co-parenting relationship and not sure how to move forward, co-parenting counseling with me can help! Please email us at hello@sparrowcounsel.com or call me at 205-538-3978 or go online to schedule an appointment.
If you found these resources helpful, you might enjoy my other blogs on coparenting! Click here to check them out!
Sara Hadgraft, the owner of Sparrow Counseling, is an M.Ed, LMFT, LPC, NCC, Certified Parenting Coordinator, Divorce and Family Mediator (Domestic Violence Trained) and has a private practice called Sparrow Counseling in Birmingham, AL. She specializes in Parenting Coordination, Co-Parenting Counseling, and Divorce and Family Mediation. Her passion is helping parents learn how to become successful coparents, so their children can thrive after their divorce. Contact Sparrow Counseling if you are interested in getting help at hello@sparrowcounsel.com.
