Helping Your Child Navigate Changes in the Family with KidsConnex
When families go through changes, like separation or divorce, it is not only difficult for the parents, but difficult for the children as well. Children will experience many thoughts and feelings and will need help in learning how to express their feelings and work toward understanding and learning how to navigate the changes that occur. The National Family Resiliency Center (NFRC) is here for your children on every step of their journey through a program especially designed for them called KidsConnex. The Parent Connection part of KidsConnex provides parents with information on how they can be supportive and helpful to their children during the transition.
What is KidsConnex?
KidsConnex is a two-session, virtual program for children 8-11 years old who are experiencing a family transition……separation, divorce or breakup of a relationship between their parents. Children will have an opportunity to express their feelings and work toward understanding and learning how to navigate the changes in their family. The major goal of KidsConnex is to provide support to children as they experience thoughts, feelings, and changes in their family as a result of a family transition.
What are the topics covered in KidsConnex?
Me and My Feelings – In this topic, children learn to recognize, label and express different feelings. By developing the ability to identify and express their feelings and emotions, children can better manage their stress and navigate the challenges that family transitions may bring.
Tides of Change – Children will identify the changes in their family as a result of the transition and learn that they are not alone in experiencing some of these changes. Children will also have an opportunity to ask and respond to questions that they have wondered about. They will hear a story about a fictional character, Tugboat Tom, who went through changes when his tugboat mom and dad separated and moved to different harbors.
Taking Good Care of Yourself – In this part of the program, children will identify trusted adults called “lighthouses”, people they can turn to for help when they are feeling down and need to talk. They will also learn how to get rid of those negative thoughts called ANTs that steal their joy and replace them with positive other thoughts. Lastly, children will learn all about how affirmations and ‘believe-in-yourself’ statements, as well as ‘feel good’ healthy activities are great for fostering a positive mindset and promoting resilience, especially when going through a family transition.
What is the Parent Connection part of KidsConnex about?
After each session with the children, the parents will attend a brief Parent Connection session where they will first hear all about what their children have just learned. Then the session will provide parents with tools and strategies to help support their children as their children navigate the transition. Parents will also be provided with a list terms, in kid-friendly language, to help explain to their children some of the language associated with the transition.
How do I sign up my child for KidsConnex?
NFRC generally offers KidsConnex once a quarter throughout the year. Please visit
our website, www.nfrchelp.org to find out when
Registration is now open for the Fall KidsConnex:
October 18 (part 1) & October 25 (part 2), 2025
11 AM - 12 PM This portion of the program is for the children only.
12 PM - 12:30 PM - This portion of the program is for parents only.