support

List of support groups in NH

Help for Children of Divorce

This site is a place for kids to learn more about divorce and
find tips to help you when you are struggling.

You are not alone.
and
Your parents still love you!!

Over 7,000 kids have parents getting a divorce every year-
just in New Hampshire.
50% of marriages in the US end in divorce.

Divorce is not about the kids.
It is about a marriage that did not work out.

Try to remember, you did not do anything wrong!

There are many tips and examples of how others have gotten through this. Try some out and make your own choices.
There are lots of resources for you and people are willing to help.

Click on pics & blue links for more info

As you move through the site and see something you can relate to or want to know more about- click on it.
It may bring you to another site with more information, videos, or worksheets to help manage that situation.

Share this site with anyone that could help you use these tools or might need them too!

Kids Explain Divorce

What does that even mean?!
Click for a video of kids as they try to explain it.

Divorce means they are not married anymore...

but that can look different for every family. Some families have a separate house for each parent and kids spend time at both places. Some kids never leave their house but their parents take turns staying there with them. Maybe parents both stay but live in different parts of the house. Some parents have to move away and kids only get to see them a few times a year. It depends on a lot of factors like work, money, if houses are available and other complicated things. Where the kids will live is written into a plan so everyone knows what to expect and when each parent will get time.

Read a loud Book about Divorce

You can listen to this story.

Why do Families Change?

This is a story by Dr. Jillian Roberts, read a loud by Mr. Klein, about divorce and separation. It explains in simple terms some of the changes that can happen and why. It is helpful for younger siblings or children to understand what is going on in their family.

Politely use your voice

Feel like you are stuck in the middle? Or have to choose?
You do not have to pick a parent.
You can still love them both- they both still love you!

Click on the picture to learn how to politely use your voice.

Coping Ideas

Sick of hearing them argue?
This is really hard. Find a safe space in your home to do something you enjoy.

Click on the picture for ideas and coping strategies.

Lots of different emotions are normal!

How are you feeling?
Build an anxiety tool box
Worried or Anxious

Worrying about the unknown as your life changes is totally normal! Click on the pic to learn how to build an anxiety toolbox to combat some of those worries.

Better sleep
Tired or Numb

Your body can get tired and overwhelmed when it is handling so many emotions. Make sure you are getting a full night sleep. You may even need more than the average 10 hours recommended! This link helps with healthy sleep habits and why it is so important.

Printable Calendars
Confused

It is okay to be confused. There is a lot going on!  Sometimes you don't even know where you're supposed to be. Sometimes adults don't explain things to kids. Letting an adult know when you need more information will help! Download or print a calendar to fill in your schedule.

Support Systems
Alone

“There are times when explanations, no matter how reasonable, just don’t seem to help. You are not alone.”
      – Fred Rogers

Reach out to someone. 
Click the pic for more info on who is in your support circles and what kind of problems they can help you with.


You can even feel more than one emotion at the same time!
Never feel guilty for your emotions.
Stress Management
Stressed

Did you know you can catch stress? You can actually get stressed just because your parents are! This video might seem a bit cheesy but it has great info in it about why you might feel this way and what you can do to feel better. Hey, maybe you can learn to help your whole family destress?!

Know the Signs of Depression
Sad or Depressed

Who wouldn't be sad when big changes like this happen? It is normal to feel like this sometimes or even a lot but it is not normal to feel sad ALL the time or not to function normally, that could be depression and it does not go away without help. Click the pic if you think it may be more than sadness.

What can you control
Scared

It is scary when you don't have control. When you don't know what is going to happen. Or when the people that are supposed to keep you safe are making you feel unsafe. This is a link to help understand what is in your control and how to handle these emotions.
*If you or a family member is ever in danger - call 911*

Control Your Anger
Angry or Frustrated

It is understandable to be angry or frustrated when you have no say over what is happening to you. You can be angry but you need to learn how to control that emotion before it gets you into trouble. Watch the video for tips. Coping skills are broken down into separate steps below to make it easier to practice.

Printable Resources

Coloring pages
Coloring Pages

Coloring has been proven to help lower your stress, some military branches even provide coloring pages for soldiers! It is not a complete fix but it helps and can be done almost anywhere. The pic has a link for adult coloring pages and here's a link to Crayola pages for younger kids.

Learn More >
Journaling
Journal Pages

Can't make your mind stop? Feeling stress, anxious or frustrated? Try journaling! The pic has a few types of journal pages. The Learn More link gives you info on why journaling is great and how to journal. This link is for teens and has 5 specific journaling techniques for anxiety.

Learn More >
Calendar
Calendar Pages

Keep a calendar page with you as you move from spending time with one parent to time with the other. It helps everyone stay on track with busy schedules, is an easy way to communicate and gives you a sense of control. The Learn More link explains the benefits of shared calendars.

Learn More >
Positive Affirmations
Daily Affirmations

Self esteem can be at an all time low during a divorce. Let's repeat, this is NOT YOUR FAULT! It could help to start your day with a positive thought about yourself to remind you of how awesome you are. The pic has a big list in categories if you can't think of any. Learn More explains why it is so important.

Learn More >
Better Study Habits

Finding it hard to focus?     Teens- click on the pic for study habit tips

Struggling at school?

School counselors are there to help! You might need a little extra emotional or academic support during this time. That is understandable! Talk to your counselor to find out what choices you have and what resources they know about in your area.

Seem to be struggling....everywhere?!

Do not be surprised if you feel like things are harder than they should be, not just at home, but everywhere.
School, work, friends, sports...when your world is turning upside down at home, it can take everything with it. This is to be expected. It doesn't make it any better to hear that, but it is not a surprise that this is a hard time.

Talk to someone about it! If you are snappy, explain why. People will understand. If you think you need help managing some of your reactions (because all feelings are acceptable but not all actions are) then find your support people.
Ideas on who your support people could be:

Friends are good to talk to, they don't always have the answers, but they can listen.
Coaches know more than sports, just ask.
Teachers or a trusted adult at school has access to a lot of resources.
If you belong to a church, your clergy is a great place to start.
If you have siblings, they are going through this too! Work through it together.
Family. They know more about your parents than you ever will and may have a new and helpful perspective. Reach out.
A mental health counselor or therapist. It's literally their job! They may know of support groups or resources in your area.

There are links at the bottom of this page for emergencies or more experienced help- it is just a call or text away!

Mental Health Strength Training
Why is this important?

10 Kids Breathing Ideas
Just Breath
Can be done anywhere in seconds

There are so many ways to slow your breathing and stress response! The link above is for younger kids but here is a link for teens with a few ideas. Try until you find one that works for you.

Learn More >
why nature helps
Get Outside
Just a tiny bit each day adds up

Did you know that just looking at this pic of nature can help reduce your stress? That is how powerful nature is according to the video link above! More reasons to step outside in the link below too.

Learn More >
Exercise
Move That Body
All movement counts

There are so many benefits to exercise! The video on this link is more for younger kids to help them understand why movement is so important. Older kids should read the Learn More link below.

Learn More >
Grounding
Grounding
Done in under 5 minutes

This technique includes breathing and connecting to nature but there are many more ways-like cuddling a pet, listening to music, focusing on your senses and physically touching the ground with bare feet.

Learn More >

A teenagers viewpoint
This video is Kat May explaining how she viewed her parents divorce and how she handled it. She has a great advice and is worth a listen!

Kat May's advice
court proceedings

How the Court System Works

laws

NH Divorce Links

NH Rapid Response Access Point
1-833-710-6477

Call or Text

NH Rapid Response Access Point
Teen Crisis Network

The NH Rapid Response Access Point (NHRRAP) is a 24 hour service for any child, youth, or family in crisis. They have people who can talk with you or come to see you in person.
988 Suicide Lifeline
988

Call or Text

988 Suicide Lifeline

Using the 988 Lifeline is free. When you call, text, or chat the 988 Lifeline, your conversation is confidential. The 988 Lifeline provides you judgment-free care. Talking with someone can help save your life.
Families & Youth
1-800-242-6264 x-4

Families & Youth NH Mental Health
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI NH) Information & Resource Line

**This is not a hotline or a crisis service. It's a phone line for families and individuals affected by mental health conditions.**
Callers leave a message for trained NAMI NH staff that will help answer questions and provide specific information on NAMI NH programs and support, and contact information for local community, and national resources.
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Last Edited November 2025
Authors Jennifer Flood Mackay & Emily Horne 

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