The winter holidays can be very stressful for children of divorced, separated, or never-married parents. This is true whether the “children” are school age, college age, or adults. The news media often present images of peaceful, intact families that contrast starkly with lived reality in the home. Others, including well-meaning relatives, may deny that a tragic loss has occurred. This can make the burden of grief seem heavier, so we think these children -- including now-adult children -- could all use some extra comfort and compassion at this time of year.
This is why we are organizing a day of remembrance for all children of divorce. On Monday, December 1 we encourage you to light a candle, do a meditation, or say a prayer to show you care. Other suggested ways to remember include:
- Read a book about the effects of divorce on children, including now-adult children.
- Spend time with a child whose parents are divorced or never married.
- Make a financial donation to one of the growing number of charities dedicated to helping children of divorced, separated, or never-married parents.
This annual event is brought to you by Bouncing Back, Inc., a non-profit charity based in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Our mission is to foster resiliency in children of divorced, separated or never-married parents by offering them emotional and educational support. Since 2011 we have given away more than 3,500 free children’s books in pursuit of our mission.
This year, we have sent emails and posted flyers promoting the December 1 event to a number of our friends, family members, and associates encouraging them to join us. Those emails also encourage people to visit this website to access helpful resources. Below you will find a list of those resources.
If you choose to participate, please let us know by telling us in person, leaving a comment on this blog, or sending an email to the address shown below. Better yet, take a photo of your lit candle and text it to us at 610-635-5303 or email it to dmharting@icloud.com. We will include it in a locator map. That will encourage all of us to continue this project, and we will be sure to send you a reminder next year.
Thank you for all you have done, and will do, to help children of divorced, separated, and never-married parents.
Sincerely yours,
Board of Directors of Bouncing Back, Inc.
Downingtown, PA
2025 Resource List
(This list is a work in progress and will continue to be updated through November 30, 2025.)
1) A 9-minute YouTube video meditation for children of divorced parents
2) A 1-paragraph prayer written by the grandfather of 2 adolescent children of divorced parents
3) A brief prayer written by an adult.
4) A 15-minute video recorded while walking a labyrinth
5) Adult Children of Divorce Anonymous (ACODA)
6) A 3-page letter written in loving memory of the late Kurt Mislick
To suggest additional resources, leave a comment on this blog or send an email to bb@hartingcom.com.