Navigating Family Change: Processing Thoughts and Feelings

Why Talking About Family Changes Matters

Sentence Stems for Reflection

1. Things at home feel different now because...Example: '...Mom and Dad live in two different houses, so I have two bedrooms now.'
2. When I think about the changes in my family, I feel...Example: '...kind of sad and confused, but sometimes okay because I know both my parents still love me.'
3. The hardest part about these changes is...Example: '...not seeing Dad every day and missing how our family used to eat dinner together.'
4. Something good that has come from these changes is...Example: '...I get to spend special one-on-one time with each parent, and the house feels more peaceful now.'
5. My biggest worry about my family right now is...Example: '...that things might change even more, like having to switch schools or not seeing my friends as much.'
6. Something I wish the adults in my life understood is...Example: '...that it makes me uncomfortable when they say bad things about each other, because I love them both.'
7. When I feel sad or worried, it helps me to...Example: '...talk to my best friend, play with my dog, or draw pictures of things that make me happy.'
8. My hope for my family in the future is...Example: '...that Mom and Dad can be friendly with each other and that holidays will still feel special.'

Tips for Caregivers and Clinicians

• Let the child lead the pace. Do not pressure them to complete all stems in one sitting.Example: If a child finishes three sentences and then says 'I don't want to do more right now,' that is perfectly fine. You can return to the rest another day.
• Validate every response without judgment. Avoid correcting or minimizing their feelings.Example: If a child writes 'I feel angry at Mom,' respond with 'Thank you for sharing that' rather than 'You shouldn't feel that way, your mom loves you.'
• Use their responses as conversation starters rather than treating the worksheet as a test.Example: If a child writes that they worry about making new friends, you might gently ask, 'Would you like to tell me more about that worry?' rather than moving straight to the next question.
• Revisit the worksheet over time, since responses often change as children process and adapt.Example: A child who wrote 'I feel scared' three months ago might now write 'I feel okay most days.' Comparing responses over time can reveal meaningful progress.
• If a child expresses distress, self-blame, or hopelessness, follow up with additional support or professional referral.Example: If a child writes 'I think everything is my fault and nothing will ever be okay,' this signals a need for a deeper conversation and possibly a referral to a child therapist.