Children and Divorce with Jessica Leger, LCSW, RPT

Children are much more adaptable than is often expected of them,
but they are also aware of much more than their parents may
think. Jessica Leger, clinical social worker, play therapist, and
our guest on today’s show, describes children as having the
capacity to be “emotional sponges.” This means that it is vital
that parents, whether they are getting divorced or going through
a tough time in their marriage, ensure that their children are
protected from the brunt of the adult issues being experienced.
As a divorced parent herself, and through her work with many
children of divorced parents, Jessica has valuable advice for how
parents can soften the blow of separation for their children.
That being said, there are many circumstances where children will
need additional support, and Jessica shares the types of
behaviors which signal that a child is not coping well with the
changes, and the kind of help they may require. 





Key Points From This Episode:


The number of children on Jessica’s caseload who are impacted
by divorce.

How Jessica’s children handled her divorce.

Children are aware of more than parents may think.

Jessica explains the importance of being careful of the
non-verbal cues parents use in relation to their child’s other
parent.

Ways to tell if a child is struggling with their parents’
divorce, and where to get additional support for them.

Something that Jessica recommends parents going through a
divorce say to their children.

Why Jessica encourages parents not to share with their
children the reason that they are getting divorced.

Examples of how parents can model emotion regulation skills
for their children. 

Games which help children learn how to regulate their
emotions.

Jessica explains how parents can prepare their children for
what they can expect from the divorce.

How to navigate children’s hopes of their parents getting
back together.

When divorced parents should introduce their children to
their new significant other.

The value of toys as a therapeutic tool for children.

Resources that Jessica recommends for families going through
a divorce, including the New Beginnings Program that she
runs. 

Jessica’s message of hope regarding children of divorced
parents. 






Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:


Leger Counseling 


Jessica Leger on LinkedIn


Dinosaurs Divorce


New Beginnings Program


Mosaics of Mercy