WHEN KIDS SPEAK, PARENTS LISTEN
Our kids are reeling – from the isolation of the pandemic, a world in crisis, the pressures of social media, and all of the usual complications of becoming a young adult.
Divorce makes things even more challenging.
Kids often feel unheard, angry, anxious, and depressed. They withdraw socially, engage in risky behaviors, struggle in school and in their relationships, suffer from disrupted sleep and eating patterns, and have twice the rate of serious mental health problems, substance abuse, and suicide.
There are very few resources to help these children - even fewer that meet them where they are and speak to them in a way they will listen.
We know that kids listen to other kids - more than to the adults in their lives.
AND THEIR VOICES ARE CHANGING LIVES
SPLIT: The EARLY Years shares what is in the hearts and minds of 12 cool and spunky 6-12-year-olds as their parents separate.
(30 minutes)
SPLIT UP: The TEEN Years hears from these same kids 10 years later, as 16–22-year-olds. They reflect on childhoods marked by divorce and uncertain futures.
(50 minutes)
THESE FILMS ARE GAME CHANGERS
THEY EMPOWER KIDS
The kids and teens in SPLIT tell it like it is.
It’s comforting for kids to see their feelings mirrored by others. They feel less alone.
Seeing and hearing from other children, who not only survive divorce but become stronger and wiser in the face of it, encourages kids at a time when they need it most.
And these films reach kids where they are – on social media, on their devices, at home,at school, in counseling sessions, and through peers, parents, and other adults in their lives.
The SPLIT FILMS help kids and teens:
- Understand that divorce is not their fault
- Learn to name their feelings
and cope with anger and sadness - Have their emotions and experiences validated
- Affirm their right to love both parents
- Know that they are not alone,
and that other kids have similar experiences
THESE FILMS HELP PARENTS MAKE BETTER CHOICES
Parents are often at a loss at how to reach withdrawn, depressed, and anxious kids, especially when the parents themselves are having a rough time.
When parents hear from the 12 kids in SPLIT, they understand the many feelings kids have during divorce ... feelings their own kids may not be sharing with them.
This understanding encourages parents to make more skillful choices as they separate. They engage in less conflict, stay mindful of how divorce feels for their kids, and to have important and healing conversations with their children.
"The impact of SPLIT on our lives has been incredible. Our daughter understands she is not the only child going through family struggles.
Her self-awareness and self-esteem have soared to new heights."
Lacrecia, mother of Chayil, 8 years old
The SPLIT FILMS help kids and teens:
- Understand that divorce is not their fault
- Learn to name their feelings
and cope with anger and sadness - Have their emotions and experiences validated
- Affirm their right to love both parents
- Know that they are not alone,
and that other kids have similar experiences
THESE FILMS INSPIRE PROFESSIONALS TO BETTER ADVOCATE FOR KIDS
"This film has become a highlight of my process!"
As a clinician who specializes in divorce, I cannot recommend "SPLIT" enough.
It is the perfect resource for therapists, family law attorneys, mediators, collaborative divorce professionals, and coaches."
Katie Zuverink, LPC-S
Collaborative Divorce Mental Health Professional
We educate and train professionals to use these films to change parental attitudes and behavior, and by doing so, support kids.
Experts on the front lines of divorce - mental health, legal, social service, and family court professionals - use these films to make parents aware of how their choices impact children.
The stories of these 12 children and teens motivate parents to cooperate and mediate instead of engaging in prolonged litigation and escalating conflict.
The SPLIT FILMS and TRAININGS help professionals
- Understand the long-term legacy of divorce, identify critical issues for children, and gain tools for guiding co-parents
- Learn practical strategies for bringing the voice of children into their work
- Identify their own biases and assumptions about divorce and its impact on parents and children