The Children in the Middle group is designed for children ages 5-12 whose parents are in the process of getting a divorce or have already gotten a divorce. During their parents’ divorce, children often feel a wide variety of conflicting emotions. This group, which is a collaborative effort between Family Court Services and the Family Resource Center of Fond du Lac County, was designed so that children feel comfortable expressing their feelings regarding the divorce and participate in activities to better understand it.
Topics Covered:
1.) What is a family? Many children worry that that they will not have a family anymore after the divorce. Children will learn that families come in various shapes and living arrangements and that they will always be part of a family, no matter what happens.
2.) Don’t Get Caught in the Middle! Children often say that being caught in the middle between their parents is one of the most difficult things they have to deal with after a divorce. The four situations that occur most frequently and cause the most stress are: 1.) Carrying messages between parents, 2.) Money issues, 3.) Criticisms of the other parent, and 4.) Quizzing children about their other parent. These topics will be discussed and coping strategies introduced.
Who May Attend?
Any child ages 5 – 12 who has a guardian ad litem appointed for him / her will be ordered to attend this program.
Cost of Attendance:
The cost for attending this program is $25.00 per family, regardless of how many children are attending from your family. Fees are paid directly to the Family Resource Center.
