Of interest to all adults helping children work through a divorce or separation, this book provides real help at a difficult time Written with both personal and professional insight, "The Essential Guide to Children and Separation" includes interviews with children who have gone through the adjustment process when parents separate. It sheds light and brings hope and encouragement to anyone who is trying to help children through one of the most difficult of life's experiences. All children will react differently, but some issues are common to all: the need to be listened to; coping with the grief that follows the destruction of the family unit; having divided loyalties; dealing with the organization necessary when a child has two homes; and coming to terms with step-parents and step-families. This is essential reading for those who need to know how to support children through the divorce process and the years that follow, including parents, grandparents, extended family, friends, teachers, youth workers, and counselors.