Your guide to activities and fun things to do with your preschoolers, toddlers and kids in charleston, SC

Tuesday Top Five: Books for Talking to Young Children About Divorce

by Nicole Teed

May 05, 2009

The topsy-turvy process of divorce takes its toll on even the most resilient of adults, so we can only imagine that little people struggle even more to deal with the changes that the end of a marriage brings.  When you're three, it can be hard to process the emotional landscape of a playdate, so the peaks and valleys of divorce really challenge preschoolers' ability to understand and deal with uncertainty, anger, insecurity, sadness, and other big emotions. 

There are some books written specifically for preschoolers about divorce, however.  If you're trying to help a little one in your life cope, these stories just might help open up conversation and new understanding.

Dinosaurs Divorce, by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown

This book by Arthur series author provides straightforward but optimistic answers to all the questions children naturally have about divorce.  Why is this happening? Where will I live? What about Christmas? These and others are all covered with sensitivity and a positive attitude by the friendly dinosaurs. Geared towards children ages 4-8 years old.

Two Homes, by Claire Masurel

Alex is a preschooler whose parents are divorced, and he has two homes, each with a set of all the things he needs and likes.  This book, geared toward children ages 2-5 years old, addresses all of the concrete issues on which children focus.  It also makes the point that Alex is always loved by both parents, even if he is not with them at the same time.

It's Not Your Fault Koko Bear, by Vicki Lansky

Children often wonder if a divorce is somehow their fault, and this book gives the simple and reassuring answer: it's not.  Designed to be read by divorcing parents to their children, it not only tells the story of a little bear seeking reassurance, but give parents tips for addressing children's common concerns.  Aimed at children ages 3 to 7 years old.

Was It the Chocolate Pudding?, by Sandra Levins and Bryan Langdo

For kids who fall in the upper end of the preschool age range, this books simple definitions of "divorcespeak" are awesome.  For instance, " 'Adjusting-to-our-new-arrangement' is what you do when you don't have an ideal situation and it's still okay." The main characters are two brothers living with a single father, so this one might also be a little more friendly to boys if bears and dinosaurs don't seem a good fit.

Mom's House, Dad's House: Making Two Homes for Your Child and Mom's House, Dad's House for Kids: Feeling at Home in One Home or Two, both by Isolina Ricci.

This pair of books written by a family therapist is a more comprehensive self-help set for coping with divorce.  Parents looking for a guide will find expert and practical advice for putting the needs of the children at the center of a collaborative divorce. The accompanying kids' guide is over 200 pages and therefore not meant to be read cover-to-cover for little ones, but relevant sections can be reviewed and paraphrased depending on a child's needs.

Savvy Guests: Nutrition Tips for Busy Parents

by Nicole Teed

March 09, 2009

Being a parent is tough. We're so focused on taking care of our children that sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves. When it comes to nutrition, we often take the quick and easy way out -- a cookie here, a bag of chips there, a cup of coffee for breakfast, half of our children's mac-n-cheese at dinnertime. I'm as guilty as anyone. But what's a busy parent to do?

Today's guest posters, Bonnie Johnson and Deanna Segrave-Daly, serve up five great ways parents can maintain a healthy lifestyle even in the midst of all the childhood chaos. As registered dieticians, they know the ins and outs of good nutrition. Even more important, they are moms who understand that our busy, crazy schedules means we need quick, manageable solutions -- and all the help we can get.

My most favorite parenting books

by Nicole

January 08, 2009

There are books to address just about every parenting dilemma, but sometimes it can be hard to sift through the shelves (real or virtual) in order to find experience, advice and expertise that really makes doing the job of raising little people easier. These are a few of the books I've found helpful on my journey as a parent. Maybe one or more of them will speak to you as well! Baby 411 by  Read more...

A guide to shopping local this holiday season

by Nicole

December 03, 2008

We parents are nothing if not consumers. Especially during the holiday season, our spending should be smart, on everything from toys for our kids, teacher gifts, and maybe even a little something for ourselves. It makes good sense given our current state of affairs to channel some of that money into the local economy. This week is "Buy Local Week" in Charleston, presented by Lowcountry Local  Read more...

Parenting and posting about it: Lowcountry blogs from moms and dads

by Nicole

July 14, 2008

No blog can exist without a community, least of all this one! There simply isn't any way my experience of Charleston as a newcomer can compare with the collective experience of parents in the Lowcountry who know the best of their corners of the city. Luckily, there are other parents blogging in Charleston, sharing their ideas for family fun and enjoying time with their children in  Read more...

Father's Day Ideas: Show Dad Some Love

by Nicole

June 10, 2008

Dads spend a lot of time and effort supporting their kids in countless ways, it's only fair that they should get one day a year to bask in the accomplishment of fatherhood. Here are some ideas for gifts to make the day special for your Lowcountry dad. Most dads I know don't want or need any more stuff , so these selections focus on gifting dad with experiences to be remembered. 1. Take him out  Read more...