This book is based on the nationally renowned Sandcastles workshop, which marriage counselor and child development expert Gary Neuman created to help kids cope with this difficult time. Gary has helped over thirty thousand children through the Sandcastles program, which is now mandated by family courts nationwide. Here he draws on this wealth of experience to help you help your child cope with this monumental change. Subjects include:

• How to build a co-parenting relationship - even when you think you can't.
• What to do when a parent moves away
• How to stop fighting with your ex-spouse
• Navigating the emotional turmoil of custody and visitation
• Helping your child deal with change
• Coping with kids' common fears about separation
• Introducing significant others
• Helping your child cope with a new stepfamily

 This warm, empathetic guide is filled with specific suggestions for helping the whole family cope. Age- appropriate scripts (for toddlers, preschoolers, six- to eight-year olds, nine- to twelve-year olds, and thirteen- to seventeen-year olds) will give you exactly the right words in order to say just enough but not too much when explaining divorce to your child. Nearly a hundred pieces of artwork from children of all ages who have gone through the Sandcastles program will help you appreciate how kids perceive divorce and offer insights to help you recognize symbols in your own child's work. Dozens of special activities, from drawing and playing with action figures to compiling photo albums and even baking cookies, will help you get closer to your child while inviting him or her to communicate problems that are difficult to express in words