Kids in Divorce is a free support group for children and a parent who are going through a divorce or have been through a divorce in their family. This is a free eight-week program with sessions in the Fall and Winter.

Why provide support services for kids of divorce?

Children of divorce may feel “different” from their peers at school, church or other activities they are involved in. They may also feel the pressure to not tell anyone (even in their family) how they think or feel. At Kids in Divorce the shared circumstance of loss and major changes in their lives frees children to explore, identify and express themselves as they deal with various issues from being in a divorced family. Children of divorce who internalize their personal experience and do not have adequate support may experience depression, school adjustment problems, substance abuse, or other coping problems.

Who should come to Kids in Divorce?

Children ages 5 to 18 will be divided into groups as follows: 5-8 year olds, 9-12 year olds and teens. Parents or guardians accompanying children have a support group of their own to discuss the special needs of their children, effective parenting skills and the needs of parents dealing with the aftermath of a divorce. The same parent must attend each week with the children. An ex-spouse is welcome to come to another group session at another time.

What does a night at Kids in Divorce look like?

A free meal is served at 6:30 p.m. so families can come straight from their afternoon activities to the group without worrying about dinner. Groups start at 7:00 p.m. and conclude by 8:00 p.m. Using a specifically prepared curriculum to address the needs of kids in divorce, children will do activities to help express and talk about their feelings. We use art, puppets, books, games and other activities to engage children through play in the group sessions. They are actually having fun while doing some much needed processing of their situation. Facilitators are trained to listen to children and respond in an encouraging, supportive manner. All facilitators that work with our kids have been through a training and have passed a background check.

What is the difference in support for children of divorce and counseling?

Support groups are not treatment. They are not counseling. Support is listening, being present to children as they share thoughts and experiences, express feelings and ask important life situation questions. Support includes trusting that a child will share when given a safe environment in which to do this work. Children of divorce need to be given a place where they feel comfortable enough to express their deepest hurts. Kids in Divorce provides this much needed outlet for them as they also get the benefit of being with others experiencing like circumstances and feelings.

Children and families needing additional special services will be referred to licensed professional counselors.

LOCATION: North Pointe Church of Christ, 7030 HWY 78 Sachse, TX 75098 – Hospitality Room

Please sign up in advance for the next session below.