Kids have the same feelings as adults, they just don't have the life experience. Gary says parents should remember that as they deal with divorce. If you're feeling the pain, trust that your child is, too. Gary told Oprah that parents at war make a victim of their own child. Children need to know that even if mommy and daddy aren't together they can still love both parents without being disloyal, Gary said.
Children believe parents are perfect.
Gary says we need to remember this, and realize it's hard for children to think that their parents can mess up. Take two decks of regular cards, pull out the diamonds, turn the remaining cards upside down. Another way to open dialogue is to let them draw the family before and after the divorce. If you'd like a transcript of today's program, or any program, click here to order one from Burrelle's Transcripts for five dollars. Tapes and Transcripts now available online.