As a result of
meeting with peers who are going through a similar
experience, kids usually emerge with a newfound sense of
confidence, hope, and community. They realize that they are
not alone, that it is normal to feel anxious, angry, sad,
and confused. Sandcastles uses a range of innovated
techniques designed to help children
develop self-expression and problem-solving skills,
learn appropriate means of expressing anger and other
intense emotions,
reach a better understanding of the reality of divorce,
recognize their own unique qualities and strengths.
Each child receives an age-appropriate workbook, which he or
she fills out anonymously. Kids are invited to draw
pictures, write poems, compose letters to their parents,
answer questions about heir divorce experience, and more. In
addition to writing and drawing, the participants are guided
in such activities as role-playing, discussion, and
interviewing fellow group members. In the last half-hour,
parents together with their children learn techniques for
interacting and expressing their feelings about divorce. At
the end of each session, participants complete a written
evaluation of their Sandcastles experience, as do their
parents, in a follow-up questionnaire completed afterward.
 About
M. Gary Neuman
M. Gary Neuman is a licensed mental health counselor, a
Florida Supreme Court-certified family mediator, a rabbi,
and the creator of the nationally recognized Sandcastles
program for children of divorce. He is the author of Helping
Your Kids Cope With Divorce The Sandcastles Way.
His work has been featured on National Public Radio,
Dateline, Good Morning America, the Today show, and
elsewhere. In 1996, his nationally syndicated column,
"Changing Families" won a Parenting Publications of America
Award of Excellence. He tours the country speaking about
marital and family issues. He maintains a private practice
in Miami, where he sees adults, children, and families. He
lives with his wife and five children in Miami Beach,
Florida. |
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The
Sandcastles Program is a three-and-a-half-hour, onetime group session
for children of divorce between the ages of six and seventeen. The last
half hour includes the children's parents and focuses on improving
communication between them.