Helping Children Cope with Divorce

Each year more than one million children in the U.S. are affected by the dark reality of divorce. Nevertheless, assures child psychologist Teyber, who teaches psychology at California State University at San Bernardino, parents can ameliorate the harsh impact by addressing their children's concerns with sensitivity and compassion. Among the difficulties he covers are children's separation anxiety at a parent's departure; guilt feelings (``If I was good . . .''); and fantasies of reuniting Mom and Dad. Teyber also discusses custody disputes and arrangements, post-divorce parenting concerns and step-parenting. Urging parents to watch for and respect their children's responses to the alterations of divorce, he offers an understanding guide to negotiating this disturbing process. (Oct.)