Separation is never easy, and when children are involved, the emotional toll can be even more intense. For parents in Australia going through a separation, navigating co-parenting, managing emotions, and keeping children’s wellbeing front and centre can feel overwhelming.
Understanding the legal, emotional, and practical implications of separation is crucial in making informed decisions that serve your family’s best interests. At Hickman Family Lawyers, we know how important it is to have the right support and resources through this transition and so we’ve put together some of the best books for separating parents, all available in Australia.
The Best Books For Separating Parents
Books can provide separating parents with practical guidance, emotional reassurance, and strategies to support their children through a family break-up.
Whether you’re looking for tools to improve communication with your ex-partner, help your children adjust, or simply understand your own emotional journey better, there are countless resources available.
Here is our collection of some of the best books for separating parents in Australia, put together by our team of family lawyers in Perth.
“The Co-Parenting Handbook” by Karen Bonnell
This comprehensive guide is essential reading for any parent navigating separation or divorce. Karen Bonnell, a mediator and family therapist, offers clear, compassionate advice on how to create a healthy two-home family.
The book covers everything from initial separation discussions with children to long-term co-parenting strategies. It includes scripts for difficult conversations and emphasises child-focused decision-making. Bonnell’s guidance helps parents develop a working relationship that prioritises their children’s emotional and psychological needs.
This book is particularly valuable for Australian parents as it aligns with many principles upheld by our family law system, including prioritising the best interests of the child. Whether your separation is amicable or conflict-ridden, The Co-Parenting Handbook is a practical and supportive resource for every stage of the journey.
“Two Homes” by Claire Masurel
Although this is a children’s picture book, it’s a gentle and effective way to help younger children understand that they are still loved and secure even when parents live apart. Two Homes tells the story of a child with two houses, two bedrooms, and two sets of belongings, but most importantly, two loving parents. The language is simple, and the illustrations are warm and reassuring.
For separating parents in Australia, using books like this during story time can open up conversations with children who may be too young to articulate their feelings. It validates their experience and helps them understand that having two homes can still mean having one loving family. This book is ideal for children aged 2 to 6 and is an excellent starting point for age-appropriate discussions about separation.
“Mom’s House, Dad’s House” by Isolina Ricci
A classic in the field of co-parenting, Isolina Ricci’s book offers a balanced and practical approach to creating a stable environment for children post-separation. The book covers parenting plans, communication strategies, and how to deal with difficult ex-partners while maintaining a child-centred focus.
Ricci’s advice is relevant for parents across different legal systems, and her practical tools can easily be adapted for the Australian context. Mom’s House, Dad’s House is especially helpful for parents who want to create a cooperative parenting plan but may be struggling with trust or emotional fallout. It includes helpful diagrams and real-world examples that can make co-parenting feel less daunting and more achievable.
“Putting Children First” by Dr. JoAnne Pedro-Carroll
This book is grounded in decades of research on the effects of divorce on children and provides evidence-based strategies to minimise harm. Dr. Pedro-Carroll, a clinical psychologist, offers a hopeful and empowering message: with the right support, children can thrive despite divorce.
Putting Children First is especially useful for Australian parents who want to ensure their children’s mental health and emotional wellbeing remain strong. The book covers topics such as maintaining stability, creating safe spaces for children to express themselves, and effective co-parenting communication. It is ideal for parents who are looking for a blend of science-backed guidance and compassionate support.
“Split: A Memoir of Divorce” by Suzanne Finnamore
For parents seeking an emotional connection and solidarity through shared experiences, this memoir by Suzanne Finnamore offers raw honesty and unexpected humour. Finnamore chronicles her personal journey through divorce with wit and vulnerability, capturing the emotional rollercoaster that many parents experience.
While not a how-to guide, Split offers an authentic perspective that many separating parents will find comforting and relatable. Australian readers can benefit from the emotional resonance of this story, reminding them that they are not alone. This memoir is particularly helpful for parents in the early stages of separation who are grappling with grief, anger, and uncertainty.
“How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk” by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
Communication is at the heart of co-parenting, and this classic guide equips parents with the tools to have more effective and empathetic conversations with their children. The book includes dialogue examples, exercises, and insights into how children perceive parental separation.
For separating parents, mastering these communication techniques can help ease tensions and build stronger relationships with their children during and after the separation process. The strategies in this book also promote respect and cooperation, which are essential in navigating shared parenting responsibilities.
“When Parents Part: How Mothers and Fathers Can Help Their Children Deal with Separation and Divorce” by Dr. Penelope Leach
Dr. Leach is a respected child psychologist whose book focuses on the developmental needs of children during parental separation. She discusses how children of different ages experience divorce and what parents can do to provide the right support at each stage.
When Parents Part is highly relevant for Australian families as it mirrors many of the values promoted by family law professionals—such as prioritising children’s psychological needs and maintaining strong parental bonds. It also includes advice on managing conflict and promoting stability during transitions.
“The Truth About Children and Divorce” by Robert E. Emery
This book offers a comprehensive look at how divorce affects children and provides practical strategies for supporting them. Emery, a clinical psychologist, combines research findings with clinical insights to help parents understand their children’s needs.
Australian parents will find this book informative and actionable, especially when navigating custody arrangements or conflict with an ex-partner. Emery’s guidance is especially strong when it comes to understanding children’s emotions and behaviour, making it easier for parents to provide reassurance and support.
“Dinosaurs Divorce” by Marc Brown and Laurie Krasny Brown
Another children’s book, Dinosaurs Divorce uses cartoon dinosaurs to explain various aspects of divorce in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand. Topics include living in two homes, talking to parents about feelings, and understanding new family dynamics.
It’s an excellent resource for children aged 4 to 9, and a useful tool for Australian parents who want to support their child’s emotional literacy during separation. The illustrations and humour help demystify divorce, making the topic less frightening and more approachable.
“Parenting Apart” by Christina McGhee
Christina McGhee’s book is a go-to resource for separating parents seeking long-term guidance on raising children in two households. It covers everything from transitions between homes to introducing new partners and dealing with blended families.
This book is practical, reassuring, and tailored to the real-life issues that separated parents face. It’s an ideal resource for parents looking for detailed strategies and real-world advice on creating a cooperative parenting environment that puts children first.
Separation is a challenging journey, but with the right information and support, it’s possible to move forward with clarity and confidence. These books for separating parents offer practical tools, emotional comfort, and expert advice to help make this transition smoother for everyone involved.
At Hickman Family Lawyers, we’re here to support you every step of the way when it comes to separation and divorce.
If you’re seeking guidance from trusted family lawyers in Perth, book your free 15-minute no-obligation information call with Ella Hickman and our compassionate team today.
