# 395 | Helping Children Through Divorce: The Importance of Age-Appropriate Truth

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/play-therapy-podcast-a-master-class-in-child-centered-play-therapy-5451171/395-helping-children-through-divorce-the-importance-of-age-appropriate-truth
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/play-therapy-podcast-a-master-class-in-child-centered-play-therapy-5451171/395-helping-children-through-divorce-the-importance-of-age-appropriate-truth.md
Podcast: [Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy](https://stenobird.com/podcast/play-therapy-podcast-a-master-class-in-child-centered-play-therapy-5451171)
Published: 2026-05-07T14:12:00+00:00
Episode link: https://9490a942-9aa8-4795-831a-19045bd9686f.libsyn.com/395-helping-children-through-divorce-the-importance-of-age-appropriate-truth
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/9490a942-9aa8-4795-831a-19045bd9686f/PlayTherapyPodcast_395_Divorce.mp3?dest-id=3452126
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Duration seconds: 659

## Resource

In this episode, I answer a question about helping children navigate a difficult divorce and discuss how to guide parents in communicating hard truths in developmentally appropriate ways. I explain why shielding children from reality often creates more confusion and anxiety, because children are already aware that something is wrong. When adults avoid conversations, children fill in the gaps themselves—and unfortunately, they often do so with self-blame, shame, or distorted conclusions. I emphasize the importance of "age-appropriate truth": saying enough to provide clarity and security, without overwhelming the child with adult details. I also talk about coaching parents to remain calm, neutral, and emotionally regulated when discussing difficult situations with their children. Whether the issue is divorce, illness, learning differences, or family conflict, children need truthful preparation and emotional safety—not secrecy. I explain how openness preserves trust, allows children to process what's happening over time, and prevents resentment from forming later. This episode is ultimately about helping children feel secure enough to face hard realities without feeling responsible for them. PlayTherapyNow.com is my HUB for everything I do! playtherapynow.com . Sign up for my email newsletter, stay ahead with the latest CCPT CEU courses, personalized coaching opportunities and other opportunities you need to thrive in your CCPT practice. If you click one link in these show notes, this is the one to click! Topical Playlists! All of the podcasts are now grouped into topical playlists on YouTube. Please go to https://www.youtube.com/kidcounselorbrenna/playlists to view them. If you would like to ask me questions directly, check out www.ccptcollective.com , where I host two w…

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