You do not currently have permission to view the full text for this document. Please sign in to an account with an active subscription or contact support.
Richard A. Gardner, associated with Columbia University and the William Alanson White Institute, has written a book for children between the ages of nine and twelve to help them come to terms with their feelings and reactions to the divorce of their parents. In discussing typical situations, the author displays a healthy respect for children, not underestimating their basic strengths. His advice is geared to the child's trust of his own observations and perceptions. He constantly urges that the child's communications be based on the expression of his real feelings.
He suggests that parents read relevant parts of the book to their child and then use this as a jumping-off point for discussion. Gardner's formulations of feeling should help both the parent and the child to be more open with one another. Children with tender feelings who are unable to bring up their reactions on so “touchy” a subject can read the book by themselves. It can help them to communicate their feelings more truthfully and directly later on.
A book of this nature is only a substitute for an open dialogue between parents and children. If the family is not in treatment and if a detour via this substitute is necessary, this book may very well fill a communication gap. The print is simple and large, and the book well illustrated by Alfred Lowenheim.