How might friends or other family members help children adjust to a divorce?

Friends or other family members can provide emotional support to children by being available to listen attentively and provide encouragement and understanding. Friends or other family members can provide emotional warmth, reassurance, and comfort. It is helpful for children to be reminded that they are important, valued, and capable of coping with difficulties and learning new activities or skills.

Robert Hughes, Jr., Ph.D., Former Professor, Department of Human Development & Family Studies, College of Human Environmental Sciences, University of Missouri-Columbia

Last update: Tuesday, July 05, 2005