It seems that every year more and more parents ask me for advice regarding how to address the issue of divorce with their children. Several factors must be considered, including the child's age, functional ability, personal strengths and weaknesses. The first year after divorce is the most difficult because a great deal of what was once considered, "normal life" is changing for your children. It is stressful on parents, but the negative effects on children can be buffered with smart parenting. Get with your spouse and set some basic ground rules. Rule number one, Never argue with, or degrade your ex in front of the kids. The best protection that you can provide for your child during your divorce is your own personal love and attention, combined with smart parenting tactics that have your child's social/emotional health at the forefront. Two great articles addressing divorce with children www.nasponline.org/resources/parenting/divorce_ho.aspx , and divorce in blended families http://apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=41 , are recommended readings.
Books for kids:
"Was It the Chocolate Pudding?" A Story for Little Kids About Divorce by Sandra Levins (ages 2-6)
"I Don't Want to Talk About It": A Story About Divorce for Young Children by Jeanie Franz Ransom
Ginny Morris and Mom's House, Dad's House by Mary Collins Gallagher
My Parents are Divorced Too: A Book for Kids by Kids, Second Edition Melanie, Annie & Steven Ford as told to Jan Blackstone Ford
"What Can I Do?" A Book for Children of Divorce by Danielle Lowry