Divorce can be a challenging time where as a parent you are moving through the grief related to this change as your child also moves through it. There are helpful things you can do as well as some things to avoid that will help make the transition a little easier on your kids. Here I share a few of the do’s and don’ts. If you are looking for more resources or support check out the resources tab on my website linked below. Do: -help them learn ways to ask for help -ask them how they are doing -ask who else they can talk to -get your own support Don’t: -make them choose -be the messenger -talk bad about the other parent If you are looking for support for your child/youth or yourself to assist in learning more about strategies for your relationships, I encourage you to reach out. www.angelajanscounselling.com (see resources tab) Playlist on Separation and Divorce https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjEsk58_nyx8boM-R64VSfUq9YBCgjNPD&si=Ex3vlzwwEqiyhb75 Disclaimer: these tips are not meant to replace therapy. If you are looking for support for yourself or a family member I encourage you to reach out. #separation #divorce #kidsanddivorce #bookresources #therapytools #counsellingtools #coping #copingtools #psychology #therapy #counselling #kidsincounselling #childcounselling #youthcounselling #awareness #normalization #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #booksandtherapy #theinvisiblestring #twohomes

Beginning the process of separating and looking for some resources to support your kids with this new transition? Here are two books I love that can help kids as young as 4 have a better understanding of what changes will be happening. These two books can also start a conversation and allow them to share some of what they may be thinking. Two Homes by Claire Masurel The Invisible String by Patrice Karst Last week I shared some resources on ways to support children and youth through separation: Here is the link to watch that video If you are looking for support for your child or youth reach out. You don’t have to do this alone. #separation #divorce #kidsanddivorce #bookresources #therapytools #counsellingtools #coping #copingtools #psychology #therapy #counselling #kidsincounselling #childcounselling #youthcounselling #awareness #normalization #mentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters #booksandtherapy #theinvisiblestring #twohomes

Divorce can be hard and definitely has its struggles. For parents who are feeling guilty, know that there are things you can do to make it easier on your children (click here for a video on tips to support your kids: https://youtu.be/Lo9Hx94YbCg) and that this feeling confirms that you care about them! We hear a lot about the struggles, but not much about some of the good that can come out of it. In this video, I share some of those pieces that can be of benefit to children and youth.

A lot of things have shifted and for many their expectations of this holiday season have been changed. With these new changes with it comes grief for many. Many are grieving things like: * changes to the holidays * less time with extended family * changes in expectations * missing family and loved ones * not travelling for the holidays * missing family events that were scheduled to happen It is okay to be sad and to grieve these things. On the other hand, It is also okay not to grieve these things and feel relieved that maybe things will be smaller and be less overwhelming. Whatever you are experiencing that is okay. If you are experiencing grief, here are 5 tips to cope: - Label it as grief - Give space to process - Reach out for support - Say an affirmation to yourself - Take care of you - set aside a few minutes to enjoy a cup of tea or go for a walk Allow yourself to feel it, to be present with it but also remember that it is okay and normal to shift back to life. To finding ways to celebrate and make new traditions.

Are you moving through separation and divorce? Do you worry about your kids and how they will move through this? There are some specific things you and your co-parent can do to support your kids and youth to make the transition easier. - Make sure the kids know it's not their fault - Keep adult issues between adults - Keep messages between parents (not through the kids) - Pick a good time to talk Looking for resources to support talking to your kids? Or maybe you are concerned and want them to have someone to talk to. Reach out to me and I would be happy to support you and your family angela.psychservices@gmail.com Stay tuned for next weeks video on books to help introduce living in two homes to kids. #separation #divorce #divorceresources #therapytools #counsellingtools #parenting #coparenting #coparents #beintentional #tools #counselling #psychology #therapy #relationships #change #awareness #normal #lethbridge #yql #perspective #childcounselling #youthcounselling #parentsupport

Whether you have lost a loved one or you have experienced changes or expectations because of shifts in the world due to the pandemic, you may be experiencing grief. In this video, I share the 5 stages of grief as identified by Elisabeth Kubler-Ross. Labeling what is happening as grief can assist to move forward, process the grief, and even reach out for support.  Follow this link for the video I did on ways to cope with grief: https://youtu.be/VfZgMwWRzbs