Talking with Young Children About Separation

When parents separate, the focus is often on logistics parenting schedules, property settlements, court orders.

But underneath all of that is something quieter.

The emotional world of our children.

In this episode, I sit down with psychologist Jamie Maserow, author of The Therapist in Therapy, to explore the silent emotional work children often carry during divorce and separation.

We discuss how children can slip into people-pleasing patterns, walking on eggshells to avoid upsetting Mum or Dad. We unpack jealousy — whether it's a child feeling replaced by a new partner, or a parent struggling with their child's bond with the other parent. And we talk about how to build emotional safety so kids feel secure enough to express what they really think and feel.

Jamie shares practical strategies parents can implement immediately, including grounding techniques to manage anxiety during handovers and how to create open conversations without burdening children with adult issues.

• The Therapist in Therapy – Jamie Maserow

• The Invisible String (children's book referenced in discussion)

Let's Keep the Conversation Going: Visit Divorce and Separation Hub to explore expert resources, courses, and programs tailored to your needs. Share your questions or comments you're not alone in this.

Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub.

The Divorce and Separation Hub Website

The Divorce and Separation Hub Instagram

The Divorce and Separation Hub Facebook

The Divorce and Separation Hub Linkedin

Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE.

Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE.

Guest: Jaime Maserow, Psychologist and Author of The Therapist in Therapy

Website

Instagram

Book

Loved This Episode? Support the podcast by subscribing, leaving a five-star review, and sharing it with someone who could use a little extra support right now.

This episode is produced by Dan King of Dan King Productions. This episode is sposnored by Simple Separation, the smarter way to separate. Simple Separation is an online, fixed-fee service designed to help Australian couples finalise their divorce and separation respectfully, collaboratively, and without the stress of going to court. From property settlements and parenting plans to child support and divorce applications, everything you need is under one roof, saving you time, money, and unnecessary conflict.

Book your free consultation today to find out if Simple Separation is right for your situation at simple-separation.com.au.

Disclaimer

I hope you enjoyed the podcast today. The information we discussed today was just that information only. It is not specific advice. If you take action following something you heard today, it is important to make sure you get professional advice about your unique situation before you proceed, whether that advice be legal, financial, accounting, medical or other advice. Please reach out to me if you have any questions or if there's another topic you'd like explored.