Social Topics

Adjusting to Divorce
“Caught in the Middle”

Suggested Grade Levels

1, 2, 3, and 4

Overview

With Oregon having one of the highest divorce rates in the country, this program offers much-needed support for families. Caught in the Middle explores some of the effects of divorce on children and how to make the adjustment smoother. It lets children know about some of the changes they can expect, like dividing time between two different households. It also encourages kids to express their feelings and doubts during the divorce process with a trusted adult, such as a therapist.

Script Scenario

Brenda Dubrowski invites her friend Melody James to spend a weekend with her at her dad’s house. Brenda openly shares her story of how she is adjusting to her parents’ divorce and why she sometimes feels “caught in the middle” when her parents try to deliver messages through her. She explains that the divorce was not her fault and that she cannot do anything to get her parents back together. Brenda tells about a variety of changes she has faced, such as spending separate time with each parent on weekends, and how counseling has helped her. The friends are relieved that even after all the changes that happen due to divorce, they can still play and spend time together.

Objectives

• Discuss the impact of divorce on children, and what it’s like to feel caught in the middle.
• Stress that although divorce brings lots of changes, important things, like friendships, will stay the same.
• Emphasize that divorce is never the child’s fault.
• Encourage children to talk openly about their feelings and concerns, with a counselor or other trusted adult.

Format

This 30-minute program consists of a scripted-story puppet presentation, followed by a guided question and answer session. During the Q & A time, the puppets reinforce learning objectives and encourage children to share their questions and concerns. To extend learning and repeat key lessons, all children receive a take-home Kids on the Block bookmark imprinted with the program’s messages, and they are encouraged to write letters or emails to the puppets.

To help Kids on the Block improve our programs, teachers are asked to complete a short program evaluation form.

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