Children are greatly affected by changes in the household..
they need reassurance that some things won't change.

They need to know there will always be a place for them.

Bridges is a workshop for children, ranging in age from 7 to 11, who are adjusting to their parents divorce or separation.  The six-session workshop helps children in their struggle to cope with a changing family.

Bridges will help your child find the answers to commonly asked questions such as:

• Is there something strange about my family?
• Why is it happening? Is it my fault?
• How can I fix it?  Will my parents get back together?
• Who can I talk to?

How Does the Program Work?

The workshop is 1 3/4 hours long and meets once a week for six consecutive weeks.  The theme of each week's workshop will relate to the many different feelings that surround the child of divorce.

The group activities allow children to express themselves in a fun, safe, and comfortable environment.  The six-week session includes one evening where parents are invited to attend and participate in an activity with their child-providing a good opportunity for conversation about the divorce.

The increased level of communication between parent and child about family matters, and the child's greater understanding of what divorce is and that they are not the cause, help to instill in the children a sense of comfort and control in their lives.

Workshop Details

A 6 session program for children ages 7 - 11 currently coping with issues of their parents’ separation and/or divorce. Bridges helps children find answers to commonly asked questions and deal with the struggles of their changing family. Cost is $75 for an individual child or $125 for two or more children from the same family. Fee reductions are available based on need. 

For additional information and registration, please call 630-232-1070.

Comments from recent Customer Surveys:

In response to the question, "Have you noticed any changes in your child's mood or behavior since participating in the group? If so what are they?" parent responses included that their children were now:

• "Very positive about talking"
• "More accepting of what is happening.  Doesn't feel like he's the only child going through this."
• "Yes, my daughter uses and is in charge of the family meeting suggestion box; she also is more prone to ask me questions about the divorce."

In response to the question, "How helpful was the parent-child activity in increasing your family's understanding of the changes and feeling associated with divorce?" parent responses included that the activity:

• "Gave me insight [into] how he saw the situation that I would have not gotten from him verbally or at home."

Other comments on Bridges included:

• "Very worthwhile time spent!"
• "Yes, the facilitators were well received by both my children."