An Expression Of Love, a heartfelt story of parental uncoupling offers a guided language of compassion for parents and reasoning that children can easily understand. The narrative follows a family of hearts and chronicles their collective story in five distinct phases. It begins with their relationship as a couple, introduces the family paradigm when they expand to include children, reveals the struggle between the parent hearts, explains the decision to break up and finally, reassures hope for all the family members to be loved and respected in the new family paradigm.
“Children are confused when their family experiences divorce. In the classroom, one might overhear students trying to find words for sharing two homes or words that describe their parents as they transition into new lives. An Expression of Love reassures its readers, both young and old that the love between parents and children is never lost, it simply changes. Love is expressed in a multitude of ways, during joyous moments and struggle. Love is always there - that is the reassuring message of this book.”
Whether it's divorce or separation, all couples who have kids and are breaking apart face similar challenges. In the beginning, the most significant problem can be just finding words to express change and emotions.
Telling kids that you won't be a couple anymore and that nearly everything in their lives will become profoundly modified is daunting.
We've been there.
During our conversation, I hoped to convey the truth compassionately without delivering confusing promises. I believed it was essential to avoid discussing reasons or offer explanations that would invite blame to either parent. Inspired to find a loving way to communicate about the complex changes ahead, I wrote this book for our daughters.
As each expression of love came to mind, I drew hearts to illustrate our story. I created a handwritten copy for each child leaving blank pages for them to express their feelings.
On our first major holiday apart, my daughter added a family portrait to her book and shared it with me. In using her book as a trustworthy medium to express her feelings through artwork, she reached out for emotional comfort. It was incredibly powerful. I was grateful to have the opportunity to listen to her express her feelings and support her process.
Sometimes the hardest part for a kid in emotional need is finding the words to start the conversation. And, it can be difficult for parents to answer questions without blaming the other parent. This book has helped us with many of those challenging moments by providing a framework of language based on compassion.
The words on these pages originated from love evolved through conversations with our kids. The graphics match the ones in their original books. Soon after our family's shift, we shared a morning of painting and talking. With watercolors and a heart-shaped hole punch, we began our healing while creating the graphics for this story.
Wishing your family love, understanding, healing, and happy hearts.
Laura Phoenix Power
