Book Review: A Mom’s Guide to Life After Divorce
(P.S. Dads, too!)

I certainly hope you don’t ever need this book. But, the reality is that nearly half of all marriages end in divorce.

And the journey is very lonely. Even though thousands of people are going through the process at any given time, the experience is L-O-N-E-L-Y. The grief about the past. The worries about the future… It’s all so personal, painful, and isolating.

As Dr. Ned Hallowell always advises, “Never worry alone!” Reading A Mom’s Guide to Life After Divorce will feel like you have a supportive friend holding your hand every step of the way! (Also good for Dads, too.)

But, as Dr. Ned Hallowell always advises, “Never worry alone!” Easier said than done, I know. And that’s exactly why I recommend this book. A vast number of our clients and students are navigating these rough waters when they come to us. (Of course, many teachers support parents through divorce, as well.)

I’m glad we now have a resource we can share and whole-heartedly endorse!

The author, Becky Adams, opens the book with an emotional description of the first time her (newly) ex-husband came to take her daughter for the weekend. “I remember staring at the back of the door after it closed… the sense of finality… the emptiness of the space… the (realization that) this was how it was going to be.”

From this opening story through the rest of the book, Adams candidly shares her experience and the feelings she wrestled with at each stage. Her writing style makes it feel like she’s sitting right beside you, holding your hand and encouraging you. As if she’s saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll help you through this.”

The book is also extremely practical! Adams has been there.

She’s done it.
ALL of it.
ALONE.

So, she understands how important it is to provide effective and efficient strategies to help you along. The Table of Contents speaks for itself… (below)

I first met Becky (L) on a trip to Paris in 2012, with 11 other women I had never met before. I can honestly say Becky is a truly genuine and kind woman. Her book is a true reflection of her authentic personality!
Here we are in front of the Paris Opera House with our friend, Kim Davis (R).
(Please, no comment on my American coffee!)

Part One: Get Stabilized

1. Make the Initial Adjustment
2. Know the Details of Your Situation
3. Give Yourself Time to Heal
4. Realize You Are in Control of Your Life
5. Nurture Your Physical & Emotional Health
6. Create a New Routine
7. Design a Parenting Agreement
8. Develop a Communication Plan
9. Help Your Kids Get Stabilized
10. Get Help from Your “Village”
11. Aim for Progress, Not Perfection
12. Practice the Golden Rule
13. Perform a Ceremony

Part Two: Get Organized

14. Practical Things
15. Set Up a Calendaring System
16. Give Thought to Where You Live
17. Create Your New Home
18. Get on Top of Your Finances
19. Square Up Shared Expenses
20. Create a Plan for Paperwork
21. Coordinate Efficient Drop-Offs and Pick-Ups
22. Plan Ahead for Dinner
23. Manage Your Family’s Health

Part Three: Get Going — Live It Every Day

24. Ongoing Growth
25. Manage Your Energy
26. Relax When Your Kids Are Away
27. Ask for Help
28. Find Mentors
29. Make a Done-It List
30. Understand that Friendships May Change
31. Release Yourself from the Power of a (Calendar) Date
32. Make Their Homecoming Special
33. Have Faith in What You Offer Your Kids
34. If You See a Chance, Take It
35. Keep It Simple
36. Figure Out What Success Means to You
37. Celebrate Your Progress

Not Just for Women

Obviously, this book is written by a woman and is highly empathetic towards a woman’s perspective. However, Adams is very respectful towards everyone involved in a divorce. (In other words, don’t worry…there’s NO “man bashing.”) I personally know several men who have struggled or are struggling through divorce that would get a tremendous amount of support from this book, too.

Erase the Worry

The power of a book never ceases to amaze me; this book is a shining example! Between the empathetic stories and the practical advice, A Mom’s Guide to Life After Divorce goes a long way towards eradicating the loneliness and worries of divorce.

Take the first step by reaching out for this book. (Available here). You’ll feel Becky’s hand stretching back, picking you up, and supporting you on this journey.

NEVER worry alone! 

Most sincerely,