Changes

Changes* is a four-week, four-hour course offered at three different age levels: ages 5 – 8, 9 – 12, and 13 – 18 (class sizes range from 5 - 8 participants). This course can be court ordered, but is not required for participation. Changes helps children to cope with stressors stemming from a family reconstruction. Changes provides an emotionally safe environment in which children can feel free to ask questions without worrying about their parents’ reactions. This course focuses on the most commonly asked questions from children who have experienced family reconstruction (customized for each age group).

Course Goals:

To provide answers to important divorce questions
To reduce confusion and a misplaced sense of responsibility
To normalize the grief process experienced by the entire family
To provide a safe environment in which to share openly with their peers
To empower the child to deal with their feelings in a constructive manner
To provide children with age-appropriate coping skills
To help children look ahead with hope

Through group discussions, activities and role plays, Changes helps children answer the following questions:

Ages 5 – 8 & 9 – 12

What is a divorce?
How might my parents behave?
What will my family look like now?
Where will I live?
What will change and what will remain the same?
Can I love both my parents?
How do people feel during a divorce?
What do my feelings look like?

Ages 13 – 18

Why do parents get divorced?
What does custody & visitation mean?
How much do I want to know?
How much do I need to know?
How do people react when they experience a loss?
How will my parent’s divorce affect me?
How do I keep from getting caught in the middle?
How will my role in the family change?
How do I handle awkward / embarrassing moments?
How can I manage my anger?
How might my parents’ divorce impact my future?
Do I have to choose between my parents at 14?

For more information:

Trina A. Nudson, J.D., LBSW
Program Director
108 E. Poplar
Olathe, KS 66061

Phone: 913.829.3711
Fax: 913.829.8858
Email: trina@thelayneproject.com

The Layne Project, Inc. does not offer legal services.