We Need to Talk About Divorce by Kate Scharff addresses the upheaval that divorce creates for children, who often feel powerless and unheard. She states that children do not cause or control divorce but are deeply affected by it. Scharff defines divorce and discusses the varied reactions different children may have, the importance of consistent routines, and the emotional difficulty of living in two homes. Scharff speaks on "nesting" arrangements and stresses minimizing transitions. She tells us that children should not be caught in parental conflicts or pressured to take sides. Scharff advises maintaining respectful communication, prioritizing the child's well-being, and handling new relationships carefully. Scharff makes clear that, while divorce is challenging, over time, children do adapt and adjust to new family structures.

We Need to Talk About Divorce: An Important Book about Separation, Stepfamilies, and Feeling Heard by Kate Scharff offers clear, compassionate guidance for families working through the difficulties of divorce. Scharff’s writing is thoughtful, accessible, and avoids overwhelming readers with technical jargon. Her balanced approach respects the emotions of both parents and children without assigning blame, although the disparity of power is also leaned into. As a mixed-race family, I particularly appreciate Scharff’s inclusion of cultural rituals for closure, which for me added a unique and thoughtful component often missing from similar books. Her look at collaboration and respect between parents is particularly helpful for readers looking to build a stable post-divorce family life. Overall, Scharff successfully combines psychological theory with concrete strategies, making this an essential and supportive resource for families in transition.

Divorce takes a toll on married couples and their children alike. How do you ensure your child doesn't suffer any unintended consequences because of your separation from your partner? Kate Scharff is a seasoned psychotherapist who grew up as a child of divorce. In We Need to Talk About Divorce, the author presents an engaging guide to help children navigate the unwanted consequences of divorce. If your parents are about to separate and you're struggling to make them listen to your opinions, you can try to share your feelings with non-family members such as teachers and school counselors. The book also delves into the different kinds of living arrangements for a child of divorce, how to arrange schedules about spending time with each parent, celebrating holidays and special occasions, and monetary issues, among other topics.

This book is a must-have for families with children going through divorce. It will help young readers deal with the challenges that inevitably emerge when parents separate. Author Kate Scharff offers valuable tips and practical insights to ensure kids learn to navigate the unwelcome complications of divorce. The book explores the impact of divorce on middle school-aged children and provides helpful strategies to handle the conflicting feelings that may arise in these kinds of unexpected scenarios. Scharff focuses on how young readers can find silver linings and make sure their lives don't change much and return to normal, even if their parents separate permanently. This picture book also features scenarios involving step-parents and step-siblings. We Need to Talk About Divorce is an informative, educational, and inspirational guide for all families with young kids. Highly recommended to preteen readers and their parents!

Author Kate Scharff covers the difficult subject of divorce in a book that encourages children to open up about their struggles with parents who split. We Need to Talk About Divorce is comprehensive and describes more than a dozen ways in which divorce will affect children. The list includes events leading up to a divorce, the actual divorce, living arrangements after a divorce, money matters, parents who might start dating again, and how to manage stepparents and stepsiblings. Some information the author gives is practical, such as children getting help decorating a new bedroom (or two) to make living in two locations better. Other material reassures children that what they are feeling is normal. The overall effect is empowering for children.

The illustrations by Annike Le Large are suitably expressive, inclusive, sensitive, and honest. Each section is laid out on a new spread with easy-to-read text boxes, dialog bubbles, and colored pages. There is also a helpful glossary and even an index for easy referral. Because there is so much to take in, readers will need to read We Need to Talk About Divorce slowly. This will help them digest and act on what they read. Toward the end, Kate Scharff mentions how children may manipulate their parents. This confronting issue is made palatable by the author’s clear, hopeful, and soothing tone. We Need to Talk About Divorce is an important, well-written book that will help many young people face this life-changing event with hope and without fear.