Educational and Playful Tools to Support Kids Through Divorce

Helping Your Child Cope with Divorce Through Play and Learning

If you're reading this, it’s likely you’re navigating one of the most emotionally complex transitions a parent can face—divorce. And amidst the logistics, late-night doubts, and feelings of uncertainty, there's a small voice you’re most concerned about: your child’s. Children between 6 and 12 often carry more than we realize, and schoolwork, emotional regulation, even play, can become overwhelming.

The good news is that there are supportive, playful, and educational tools that can help them feel seen, soothed, and secure. These aren’t magic fixes—but with consistency, warmth, and a little creativity, they can offer your child anchors in the storm.

Why Play and Learning Matter During Divorce

Children process emotional stress very differently from adults. While adults often seek clarity in conversation and reflection, kids tend to express inner turmoil through behavior, imagination, or withdrawal. That’s why creating a supportive environment where your child can still engage in imaginative play and learning—even lightly—is so important.

A child struggling with the emotional weight of divorce may lose interest in homework, feel frustrated with school routines, or act out academically. Making room for educational supports that are also playful can help them reengage with learning in ways that feel safe, empowering, and even joyful.

Tools That Nurture Connection and Confidence

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, but thoughtful, playful supports can go a long way in strengthening the emotional bond between you and your child, while also helping them reconnect with learning.

1. Story-Based Resources That Reflect Their Experience

Stories allow children to explore difficult emotions at a safe distance. Hearing (or reading) about another character going through a parental separation can feel incredibly reassuring. These stories validate emotions like sadness, anger, or confusion without placing direct pressure on your child to talk before they’re ready.

If your child prefers listening over reading—especially during moments when they’re alone or transitioning between homes—audio content can be an excellent alternative. Apps like LISN Kids, which offers original audiobooks and series for ages 3 to 12, provide imaginative and emotionally sensitive storytelling that’s accessible and child-friendly. Available on iOS and Android, the app can be a comforting tool during bedtime, car rides, or even just quiet time at either home.

For more insight on the power of storytelling during family transitions, read: How Bedtime Stories Can Comfort a Child During Family Transition.

2. Journaling and Drawing Spaces

Kids don't always have the words for what they feel, but they often show it through play or creation. Setting aside simple tools—colored pencils, markers, stickers, notebooks—can give them a way to process their experiences without pressure.

Try creating a shared journal that travels between households. Both you and your co-parent can add messages, drawings, or photos—simple touches that remind your child they’re loved and remembered no matter where they are. This can be especially powerful for children feeling split between two homes.

3. Educational Games That Build Agency

When a child's world feels unpredictable, offering environments where they can make decisions, solve problems, and experience small wins can be incredibly healing. Many educational games—both physical and app-based—support skills like emotional regulation, problem-solving, and focus, while also reminding children they are capable and resilient.

Even everyday board games can have benefit here. Cooperative games where players work together (as opposed to purely competitive ones) may help a child feel part of a team, rather than alone or “stuck in the middle.”

Supporting Daily Transitions and Emotional Waves

Navigating school days while managing the emotional ups and downs of divorce can be tough for many kids. As a parent, you might feel helpless seeing your child distracted, disorganized, or distressed when it comes to homework or learning.

Routines, even simple ones, are a core source of comfort. Try creating small rituals that signal safety and connection—like listening to a short audiobook together before bed, doing a five-minute puzzle after school, or creating a daily "check-in" question during dinner. These micro-moments help hold the day together like threads in a tapestry.

For guidance on what’s helpful to share (or not share) with your child about the separation, read: Should You Tell Your Child Everything About the Separation?

Play as a Bridge Between Two Worlds

One of the hardest parts for children is adapting to life between two homes. Educational and playful routines can actually become comforting constants—tools they can count on no matter where they are. Whether it’s a beloved bedtime story series or a game they enjoy playing with both parents, these activities help create emotional continuity.

This is also where co-parents can align gently. Consider agreeing on a few shared elements in your child’s routines, like keeping a favorite audiobook series going, sustaining homework patterns, or even maintaining a beloved weekend “family movie night” (even if it's now held separately). These acts aren’t just logistical—they’re emotional supports, too.

To explore how to maintain strong bonds across transitions, explore: How to Talk to Your Child About Separation Without Breaking the Parental Bond.

Let Play Do What Words Can’t

If your child seems closed off, quiet, or overwhelmed, don’t panic. That’s not unusual. Play, stories, and creativity often do the work that words can't—especially when children are still learning to name their emotions.

If there’s one truth to keep close during this time, it’s this: your presence matters. Whatever tools you choose—books, games, audio stories, art—it’s the consistency of your support, not perfection, that will show them they’re safe.

And as your family grows into its new shape, know this: rebuilding joy and connection doesn’t happen overnight. But it does happen, one story, one shared game, one bedtime moment at a time.

For insights on helping your child adapt to changes in family dynamics, including new partners or siblings, check out: How to Talk to Your Child About a New Partner After Separation and How to Create a Peaceful Bond Between Siblings After a Separation.