Divorce creates psychological, academic, and behavioral problems in children. (2002, Hetherington & Kelly). Even in a “good divorce,” Amato, Kane & James (2011) found children still suffer. A “good divorce” is a cooperative parenting style that has children faring as well psychologically, behaviorally, and academically after divorce as they did before the divorce, says Ahrons (1994).

We know the advice: Don’t bad-mouth your ex-spouse in front of your children. For many, doing so is their emotional release of hostility or hurt stemming from the marriage breakup. But what of children who want to vent their hurt, hostility, or sadness over their parents’ break-up or divorce? How can parents help children manage this?

Children may have many questions and observations about their parents’ divorce:

Will Dad/Mom still love me?

Why don’t you love Daddy/Mommy anymore?

What happened? I never saw you two........

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