Telling kids about divorce

Katherine Sellwood, PsyD Psychologist, shares advice for children on how to tell your children that you are getting a divorce, a question which she is often asked for advice on
Divorce And Children | Telling Kids About Divorce
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Telling kids about divorce

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One of the questions that I get most asked is: How do we tell the children we are getting a divorce? Number one, there is never a good time to tell your children, so don't wait. If you can tell them together, as a united front, that's best because guards against the children having two separate stories; and it also shows them that, while the marital relationship is ending, the parental relationship is still intact. Children are going to be affected by this, but what they want to know the most, is how are they going to be affected by the divorce. What's going to happen to them? What you need to be clear about is that you have a plan. One of the lines that I like to use, is to tell the kids, "We make a better mom and dad, then we do husband and wife. We have a plan." Remind them that they are safe, loved, and that you have a plan. They are going to be okay.

Katherine Sellwood, PsyD Psychologist, shares advice for children on how to tell your children that you are getting a divorce, a question which she is often asked for advice on

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Katherine Sellwood, PsyD

Psychologist

Dr. Katherine Sellwood is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Encino, California, who specializes in child, adult and forensic family psychology. She began her Master's Degree training at Pepperdine University, continuing her education at C.S.P.P. to obtain a Doctoral Degree in the field of Clinical Psychology. Since entering the field in 1996, Dr. Sellwood has garnered a diverse professional background that includes working as an elementary and middle school counselor, college and regional center disabilities specialist, executive director of a non-profit organization in psychology, consulting psychologist at hospitals and in-patient medical facilities, and an academic Professor of Psychology at several graduate schools. Dr. Sellwood has been a guest lecturer presenting topics that include: anger management, early childhood development, play therapy techniques, taking a stand against teenage violence, developing resilience, treating children of divorce, loss and grief, adolescent girls and disordered body images, understanding behavioral difficulties.

Dr. Sellwood holds a license in clinical psychology through the state of California. She is on the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, and is a Diplomate with the American Board of Professional Psychology. Her professional affiliations also include The American Psychological Association, The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and The American Academy of Clinical Psychology. She has received professional honors and recognition through the Psy Chi National Honor Society of Psychology, the California Senate for excellence in school counseling, student nominated Who’s Who of America’s Teachers, and peer nominated Sierra Tucson’s Gratitude for Giving.

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