Neel: Do you want to find out more about separation and divorce? Or do you need some extra help dealing with your parents deciding to live apart? Here are some ideas...

There are lots of people around you who can help you deal with your parents’ separation.

Sometimes, just talking to a friend can help a lot, especially if his or her parents have also split up.

You can also talk to an adult you trust, like:

• A relative (an aunt or uncle, or your grandmother or grandfather).
• Your teacher.
• Your school counsellor.
• Someone at your place of worship.
• Or your family doctor.

These people can help by:

• Just listening.
• Suggesting things you can do to make things better.
• Giving you the names of other people who can help.

Here are some numbers you can call if you need some help and don’t know who to reach out to.

• Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence
  1-866-834-HELP 
• Maine Crisis Line:
  1.888.568.1112 Voice/TTY.
• Children’s Advocacy Centers
  1-800-871-7741 
• KIDS LEGAL
  1-866-624-7787 
• 2-1-1 Maine
  Statewide Referral Service

Books For Kids

	I Don't Want to Talk About It Jeanie Franz Ransom & Kathy Kunz Finney, Magination Press, 2000 For ages 4-8. Dealing with feelings.
	The Divorce Workbook for Children   Lisa M.Schab, Instant Help Books, 2008 Children of divorced parents will benefit from caring, friendly activities in this book. While children may sometimes not show apparent signs of the stress of a divorce, the strain it places on them is very real and, left undealt with, can develop into serious problems in years to come.
	Two Homes Claire Masurel & Kady Denton, Candlewick, 2003 For ages 2-5. Reassurances about having two homes after divorce or separation.
	What Can I Do? : A Book for Children of Divorce Lowry, Danielle Magination Press, 2001

Maine’s Kids First Center also recommends these books for kids