We Need to Talk about Divorce: An Important Book about Separation, Stepfamilies, and Feeling Heard - Paperback

by Kate Scharff (Author), Annika Le Large (Illustrator), Neon Squid (Author)

Divorce doesn't have to define you--a reassuring illustrated guide for children navigating their parents' separation.

Children of separating or divorcing parents often feel alone and alienated, as though no one understands what they're going through. They need reassurance that their feelings are normal, and age-appropriate answers to their many questions. But divorce is confusing and overwhelming--thinking and talking about it are hard, for kids and grown-ups alike.

Kate Scharff, internationally renowned divorce therapist (and a child of divorce herself), addresses many of kids' common concerns, such as navigating life in two homes, feeling pressured to choose sides, and adjusting when parents date or remarry. Her central theme is the importance of parent-child communication, and she offers lots of tips for how kids can speak up constructively--even in the trickiest situations.

With illustrations by Annika Le Large, We Need to Talk About Divorce is suitable for kids to read by themselves or with a parent. It's frank, honest, and open. While the author doesn't shy away from the painful aspects of family break-up, she also reassures readers that while divorce will always be a sad memory, it doesn't have to be a bad turning point. In fact, blended families and new beginnings can make lots of things easier over time.

Part of Neon Squid's critically acclaimed series tackling subjects that are hard to talk about, for ages 10 and above.

Author Biography

Kate Scharff, MSW is a psychotherapist with over 35 years' experience helping individuals, couples, and families to navigate a wide range of issues, including separation and divorce. A child of divorce herself, Kate dedicates a large part of her practice to supporting parents and their children to move through this life transition in ways that minimize conflict, protect relationships, and set everyone up for a happy, healthy recovery. Kate writes and teaches internationally, and has co-authored two books for family lawyers, therapists, and financial experts who work with divorcing couples. She lives with her family in a suburb of Washington, DC.

Annika Le Large is an illustrator based in Leipzig, Germany. Her artworks are often related to social issues or concepts of self-love. Annika previously illustrated We Need to Talk About Vaginas and We Need to Talk About Death for Neon Squid.