At this time of year the days are getting shorter and so are our tempers. Because of this a lot of bad energy is floating out there and you don’t want to be hit by it. Last week we talked about a couple of ways in which you can minimize the battles within your divorced family. This week I’d like to continue talking about this topic and offer you a few more options.
First off all find an outlet for your family’s stress. Stress not only makes you feel bad, but it closes off your communication channels and decreases the efficiency of your immune system. Everyone in a family feels stress this time of year. As the leader of your family of divorce it is your job to identify when your family is stressing out and to find a way to release this stress. Some fun ways to reduce stress is to go for a family bike ride, to go hiking, or if there is snow, go cross country or downhill skiing. If your family likes board games have a game night. Or take a break from electronic entertainment and play card games. Generally do something that will make you laugh as a family.
Another way that you can minimize the conflicts within your family this fall is to learn what smart divorce resources are available. Churches, synagogues, community centers, schools and local mental health centers are all great resources for extra help for managing your stress and to learn how to be a closer more functional family. Other resources you can use include family and friends. Building a network of support for your family can be a great asset, especially during this time of year.
Hello…
Regarding your article about helping kids through divorce, I have a tool that I’m sure you’ll be interested in adding to your arsenal for children and their parents to use to help them through the divorce process!
I’ve recently illustrated the award-winning children’s book “You and Me Make Three” which is sold in conjunction with B.B. the Bear (manufactured by Build-A-Bear Workshop). On each page is a Parent Tip from the court mandated SMILE Program co-authored by Richard S. Victor (an Oprah Show alumni). My partners and I (all divorced women) are certified in the Sandcastles Program by M. Gary Neuman, M.S., LMHC (Oprah’s “Go-To” expert).
I believe that our product will be an asset to your “Suggested Reading”. We believe that educating both parents and children with the help of our book will open lines of communication between the two. Children will no longer imagine and wonder ‘why’ their parents are divorcing, and the advice to parents on each page will help them address difficult issues with their kids and how to treat each other appropriately to lessen the negative impact on their children.
The publisher of the book, EDCO Publishing, is owned by a former teacher of 25 years. Textbooks and educational material are her main production. The mission statement of our company is “A B.B. Book and Bear in Every School in America!”. We hold charitable book launches/fund-raisers that are geared to placing book and bear packages in schools and guidance counselor’s offices and libraires through contributions from the local community.
Please check our website, http://www.bbseries.com. Remember, “The greatest gift you can give to your child is the right to love both parents equally”. Thank You for putting kids first! Heather Drescher, Illlustrator “YOU and ME MAKE THREE”
Heather Drescher
Illustrator, B.B. Book and Bear Series
There are always a lot of stresses in modern life but this economic crisis only adds to them!!! And if, to make things, worth, you have to conduct a job search which is common nowadays, your family is the first one to suffer. So, any help you can get will be of great use!!!