Why Do Families Change?: Our First Talk About Separation and Divorce (Just Enough, 4)

Very good book for kids

Would recommend for families going through divorce. Has been helpful for my kids.

I found a gem! Here's a multi-ethnic, multi-generational, kids book on separation and divorce that works for common law or cohabiting situations. It also works for gay couples. It portrays both parents well, and shows grandparents as very involved. Why Do Families Change? by Jillian Roberts About Ages 4-9 Picture book (but too many words for preschool) NICHE: This book fills the need for a multi-ethnic book for kids whose parents were married, common law partners, or lived together. It hits the most important themes that a kids divorce book should have, but unlike other children's books on divorce it shows the grandparents playing a bigger role: in the kitchen, around the table, comforting a child. On one page, In a montage of happy weddings at the beginning of the book, it shows a happy gay couple. MESSAGE: If your parents separate or divorce, you're still loved and you're still a family. You are not to blame. You can ask questions. And your family will be happier. Told by a narrator. Fathers and mothers depicted about equally in the book. Fathers and mothers shown nurturing. Both cooking for kids and playing with the child. Both grandfather and grandmother are eating with the children. Both parents are at the children's sports events. "If separation or divorce happens, it's never the fault of the children." Portrays change as difficult. It takes time, but eventually child will be okay. The child may go through many feelings which they are encourages to share with someone they trust.

We loved this book the author uses clear, age-appropriate language to explain why families might separate and reassures kids that they are not at fault for the changes in their family. What stands out is the thoughtful way it addresses children's emotions, providing validation for feelings like confusion, sadness, or anger. The illustrations are warm and engaging, helping to convey the message that even though families may look different after divorce, love and care remain constant. I also appreciated how the book opens the door for open communication.

My niece and nephew are elementary school-aged and their parents are getting a divorce. I wanted to buy them some books at their level. I only have one very small critique, and that is at the beginning of the book it mentions common-law marriages as well as divorce. Since my niece and nephew are on the younger end of elementary school, it's going to lead to questions about: "What's common law?" and "Why didn't those people get married?" --However, getting sidetracked will not detract from the larger conversation that needs to be had. I mention that has a heads up to anyone with super curious kids like my niece and nephew. Another critical choice in buying this book was the multicultural factor to it. Kids need to see that divorce comes in all cultures and colors because it helps them to know that they are not alone. So kudos to the illustrator for representing the global brown we all have!

Unfortunately my family is dealing with this and the book gives the words when you may not have them to properly explain in an age appropriate way the changes that are taking place in your lives. While some of the words seemed big for a 4 year old, I do believe they are the proper and correct words to use for a child when there are major changes affecting them like this. Would recommend if you find it difficult to explain to your child especially when they have questions about circumstances that affect their lives as well.

Book was damaged on arrival, bent and torn.

This is a great book to help understand what's going on in the household during the separation/divorce. My daughter has both ne and her dad read it her once in a while. So glad I got this.

Very useful for explaining to children trying to figure out why their parents are not together and how the future may be for them

Written by the one who received this book: I got this because I felt my two youngest children didn't understand what was happening. My 8 year old was becoming a troublemaker in school, and my 11 year old was waiting for everything to fix itself. This book helped me explain what was going on, and the finality of it. And also how, besides it not being their fault whatsoever, that their mother and I loved them more than ever. And that it's normal and not necessarily a bad thing. It's simple and doesn't go deep. It's a children's book. I read it to them individually because they always fight. Lol. I recommend it.

My 7 daughter loved this book. It made her better prepared for her parents seperation. It's a great book to help your kids through the transition.

Very nice book

Help the kiddies understand it’s changing in the family