Search Results

It's Not Your Fault KoKo Bear This week we are kicking off with a week full of resources. Starting with the Top 10 books for kiddos to talk about divorce: 10 Children's Books That Help Explain Divorce by Parenting.com A great story can help your kids make sense of what's happening when parents split up — and the complex emotions they're feeling. Consider reading one of these books about divorce with your kiddos. By Belle University Chancellor Published on October 29, 2013 Reading books about divorce with your child can help her to open up and talk about her feelings and concerns, as well as reassure her that what she's experiencing is normal. It also opens the door for questions that your child might not otherwise be comfortable bringing up. Here are some excellent children's books about divorce for your family to read together. Dinosaurs Divorce By Laurene Krasny Brown and Marc Brown In this picture book, the dinosaur family explores why parents get divorced and what happens after a divorce. It answers common questions that children might have, such as what's going to happen to me, where will holidays be celebrated, and what is it like to live in two homes. Ages 3 to 7. Buy Dinosaurs Divorce It's Not Your Fault, Koko Bear By Vicki Lansky When Koko Bear's parents get divorced, the cub experiences a range of emotions, including anger, guilt, confusion, and sadness. Each page features advice for parents on how to help children identify and express feelings. Ages 3 to 7. Buy It's Not Your Fault, Koko Bear Two Homes By Claire Masurel Sometimes Alex lives with his daddy in a suburban home and sometimes with his mommy in a city home. He has two bedrooms, two favorite chairs, two sets of friends -- two of everything! This book helps kids to understand that they are loved by both parents, regardless of where they are living.Ages 3 to 7 Buy Two Homes The Invisible String By Patrice Karst This book doesn't specifically address divorce, but it's a heartwarming story that reassures children that even though they can't always be with a loved one, they're always in each other's hearts. Whenever a child thinks about a family member, the invisible string gives a tug. Ages 3 and up Buy The Invisible String My Family's Changing By Pat Thomas This picture book introduces the concept of divorce and how it affects family members. A "What about you" section features questions that parents can ask young children to help them explore their feelings. Ages 4 and up Buy My Family's Changing I Don't Want to Talk About It By Jeanie Franz Ransom A young girl imagines herself as animal to deal with her feelings about her parent's divorce. When her father tells her that it's okay to be scared, she says: "I wanted to be a lion with a roar so loud that everyone would think I was very brave." Throughout the book, both parents offer assurances that their love for her will never change and that certain family rituals will remain the same. Ages 5 and up What Can I Do? A Book for Children of Divorce By Danielle Lowry Rosie tries everything to keep her parents together: She cleans the house, gets good grades, and offers her piggy bank money. When her parents split anyway, a confused and sad Rosie joins a support group for kids from divorced families who show her that life can be happy. Ages 8 and up Buy What Can I Do? A Book for Children of Divorce A Smart Girl's Guide to Her Parent's Divorce By Nancy Holyoke This book, published by American Girl, covers various aspects of divorce, from the initial split-up to a parent's remarriage. It includes quizzes, tips, and advice from children of divorce. Ages 8 and up. Buy A Smart Girl's Guide to Her Parent's Divorce Divorce Is Not the End of the World By Zoe and Evan Stern After their parents divorced, siblings Zoe and Evan Stern, then ages 15 and 13, wrote this positive and practical guide for kids (their writer mom helped). The book tackles topics such as managing emotions like guilt, anger, and fear; adjusting to different rules in different houses; dealing with special occasions like birthdays; and adapting to stepparents and blended families. Ages 8 and up. Buy Divorce Is Not the End of the World Mom's House, Dad's House for Kids By Isolina Ricci A family therapist wrote this guidebook to help tweens and teens deal with dueling house rules and schedules, stay neutral when parents disagree, and manage stress, guilt, and other emotions. The book includes handy, easy-to-use lists and worksheets. Ages 10 and up Buy Mom's House, Dad's House for Kids

Today, we focus on seven things to know if you are going through a same-sex divorce. Luckily the process is the same ask it should be. Just so you are in the know if you are considering your relationship to be over. However, you will find some insights to think about when going through the motions below. 1) Every state in the US processes child support, child custody, and division of marital assets the same. 2) If you were married before 2015, there might be an issue with unfair divisions of assets. 3) If you were married after 2015, a Supreme Court ruling that the division of assets and debts, custody, etc., remains the same. 4) Every state also offers some no-fault divorces. 5) Sadly, same-sex spousal support becomes complicated. The shorter the marriage, the less likely the judge will approve spousal support, and the longer the wedding, the judge typically awards alimony. Be sure to research this before taking action. 6) Did you know that most states have a 60-day waiting period, and a divorce with children has a 6-month waiting period? This varies by state, but check your state laws to see what is in store for you. 7) Fact: Lesbian divorces have a much higher rate of uncoupling than the rate between men. Lesbian divorce rates average 14% versus Gay Male divorces at 7%. Divorce in any relationship is hard as hell. Our advice is to do your research before you start. Make a list of things you want to know – ask us if we can lead you in the right direction or good old google has plenty of articles. Resources for this article: divorce.net, leonfbennettlaw.com, and google.

Today we will talk about the importance of Journaling. As you begin your journal down the divorce road, your mind is filled with thoughts from A to Z. Do I want this? How will the kids react to the news? Where do I go to find that inner peace I've been seeking? And a multitude of other questions. Starting is a great way to destress and let go of everything on your mind. We encourage you to jot down anything that comes into your headspace. Divorces are not pleasant for your or your partner's physical or mental wellness; however, once that journey begins, the entire process is difficult to juggle on top of your day-to-day commitments. Below you will find nine benefits of Journaling.... from my experience: 1) Journaling can help you release negative thoughts. 2) Journaling can strengthen the memory part of your brain. 3) Journaling can make you laugh or cry, or both. 4) Journaling can start with a simple checklist of things you need to do. 5) Journaling is one of the best ways to express emotions. 6) Journaling clears the clutter when you need to unleash it, so you will not escalate in a different space. 7) Journaling is an excellent stress reliever. 8) You can write everything down to keep or shred after your divorce. 9) Journaling is time for you. When divorcing, it is so important to take care of YOU. Supplies needed: One journal One pen One mind Let's go! #divorcetips #selfcare #divorceedish #divorcerecovery

Right after your divorce, you may find yourself needing distractions. One of my favorites was going on runs and listening to songs about break-ups, somehow it was therapeutic for me. I would also play the list as I was doing things around my new rental home. The list I have is as follows: Indigo Girls: Galileo Israel Kamakawio'ole: Somewhere Over the Rainbow The Five Stairsteps: O-O-H Child Alicia Keys: Girl on Fire Big Head Todd & the Monsters: Bittersweet Demi Lovato: Sorry Not Sorry Pink: What About Us Florence + the Machine: Dog Days Are Over Blue Lagoon: Break My Stride Pink: I Am Here Tim McGraw: Highway Don't Care Post Malone: Circles Taron Egerton+ Elton John: I'm Still Standing Taylor Swift with Bon Iver: exile Maroon 5: Memories Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive The Killers: Mr. Brightside Maroon 5: Wait James Taylor: Your Smiling Face Simple Minds: Don't You Forget About Me Adele: Take It Easy On Me Pink Floyd: Wish You Were Here George Micheal: Freedom! Adele: Send My Love P!nk: A Million Dreams These are just a few that go me started and style-wise all over the place. However, I loved it and it kept me going through all the tears, as a built a new strength I never knew I had.

Have you ever wondered if you have met or are bound to meet a second or third soulmate in your lifetime? There are so many sites that can say Leo's soulmates are Aries, Gemini, Libra, Sagittarius, or maybe Capricorn. If you are like many people and believe in the stars and compatible mates, you seek this information from psychics, therapists, and friends who believe in those connections. However, my motto is live at the moment, with just a little inspiration and information searching about who's right for you. I have spent many post-divorce days thinking about this and sometimes playing around with sites that say they are in the know of soul connections. I have thought a lot about wants, and needs from each side. I've learned to be more assertive about what I need in a partner, and that's exciting any way you look at it. At any rate, if you like to daydream, I encourage you to visit nebula.com or the Relationship Psychics or the many others that are out there. Here is a clip from the Relationship Psychics talking about the 6 most common Soul Connections. Soulmates, Twin Flames, Karmic Soulmate, Kindred Spirit, and Soul Teacher are common soul connection types. There are many soul-level connections, but these 6 are the most commonly seen. This video will go over the top signs of spiritual connections and how YOU can recognize them in your life!

Wondering what the top podcasts are for Divorce? We have gathered a list just for you. Each of these covers some of the same topics, however, each has a different voice and opinion. Trashy Divorces The Divorce Devil Surviving Divorce Blended Family Divorce Goddess Breakup Boost Relationship Advice Divorce and other things you can handle WTF divorce Divorce & Done Doing Divorce Right The Divorce Survival Guide These are just a few that are out there and recommended. Check out Podchaser.com for more on divorce and several other topics.

One of the divorce's most challenging tasks is telling your kids that their lives will change forever. No matter their ages. There will be tears; looks on their faces you'll never forget; daunting sadness on everyone's part; screaming, and more. The worst? Knowing you're hurting them is horrible, but it's inevitable. And the hurt has no limitations. They may have been expecting it or had no clue. They are very young and will never remember the original family unit, or they're older and intuitive about divorce. Ultimately there will be a barrage of questions from your kids of all ages. Here are a few to prepare for: 1) Will we still be able to spend nights as a family together? 2) Where will we live? 3) Are you selling our house? 4) Who will move where? 5) Why are you getting divorced? 6) Why didn’t you try harder to keep our family together? 7) You never fought, so why are you getting a divorce? 8) What will our new schedule be? 9) Is it my/our fault? 10) Why is this happening to our family? 11) Where will we spend the holidays? 12) Does anyone else know about this? 13) Can I talk to my friends about this? 14)When will this happen...today...tomorrow...this month...this year? 15) What about our family vacations? 16) Why don’t you love each other anymore? 17) Do you hate each other? 18) Will we have to go to court? 19) I am SO sad; what should I do? 20) Are you dating someone else? The above are a few I’ve been privy to, but there are many more. The best you can do for your kids is just love and support them throughout all the stages, then find clarity quickly so they know what to expect next. That is super important because your children take things very literally, so be prepared to answer lots of questions and comfort your babies, whether they're toddlers or grown. Xoxo, Erin P.S. Here are Some questions of your own to figure out before you tackle the above: - Are you prepared to answer all of their inquiries? - Do you have a timeline for the process, fallout, and healing? - When exactly do you tell your kids (choose a specific date & time of day)?

Have you heard of the three texts theory in the dating world? If not, you are going to want to read this. When a woman or man sends three texts in a row, it drives one another away. Women are labeled as "crazy" or "psycho" (seriously). Men are labeled more flirty and exciting, ensuring that the person they are courting knows they are interested in moving forward with a possible dating situation. However, in recent years all dating sites have women in control - is this where this issue is stirring? Yet, the men decide whether they want to match with the women. A woman has to make the first move, which I thought was a good thing; however, over the years, I have felt that men need to have the option of taking the lead. There should be NO issues when taking dating situations offline to text or WhatsApp if it is mutual. Though there still is this theory. Let's face it; if you are interested in someone and want to meet in person instead of text dating, it takes coordination for both parties to feel comfortable. Sadly, almost all dating nowadays starts with a swipe or text. A simple text is tough enough when you are clueless about what you are getting into; then, being seen as crazy makes you even more hesitant to engage in the whole process. After all, if you can't handle a good text communication series, then he's/she's not worth your time. If they do not answer in a timely, respectful way - ditch them. Dating is hard enough when you are divorced - throw out the rules and theories and be true to yourself. Opinion: 3 text theories should be extinct.

One of the hardest things you do as a divorcee is to feel overwhelming emotions at times that you just burst into tears. It could be about anything, `and I am human. It could be because I see a happy moment, and it's not said; it's just emotional. I am a Leo; I feel things deeply and passionately…again I am human. When you are post-divorce, you will meet a ton of new people. Some come and go, and some stay around for years. Life continues with girlfriends, boyfriends, new friends, etc., and you choose a new path and keep on. Though sometimes, you must create boundaries for yourself and others you meet along the way. It’s hard sometimes and tears your heart apart, but you know it's for the best. Boundaries are needed because you could overdo yourself and take yourself down – take it from me – I have done it and continue to do it. Again, Human. However, you need to pull yourself and re-access: 1) Take care of yourself and only yourself when you feel overwhelmed. 2) Find a way, to seek out help to get projects completed you just cannot get to. 3) Listen to your favorite tunes, and of course, dance like no one is watching 4) Set time for friends and make sure you know your limitations. 5) Do not overcommit; no is not a bad word at all; it is a boundary word. 6) Exercise for endorphins because that is time for you. 7) Read Set Boundaries and Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab – it’s a must. Take care of yourself the rest will be just fine. Cheers! Erin

As we enter Mother's Day, it is so crucial that you give yourself some credit where credit is due. You may be a single mother with no supporting partner or a single mother with an ex-partner; either way, you know that every day is a journey. Kids are on a fantastic journey, with many excellent and rough times. They test every piece of patience in our bones to our souls, which is super tricky, but you must maintain calm. Parenting is hard and even more complicated when trying to make decisions that affect all of the family or part of the family. You must stay strong during this period; you have to practice SELF-CARE. Sometimes the best thing you can do for yourself and your kids is to walk away and rest. Reaccess how you do all of it daily. Then know that you are not alone; many parents need a better support system, friends, family, or other resources. It would be best to celebrate yourself and all you give daily. Treat yourself to some of your favorite activities not just on a day dedicated to Mother, but each day savor a moment that reminds you that you are strong and brave single or not. Take care of yourself, and you will be a much better parent in the long run. Question: What do you do to take care of yourself? If you can not answer this --- we need to work on it together.