Melissa Costello, San Francisco employment lawyer at Laughlin Legal

“These people are interested in more than your divorce, they care about life after it.”

WELL

BEING

Our
Children

Best Ways to Use These Resources

Read books together.
It opens a dialogue about feelings and reassures children that their experiences are normal and valid. 

Turn apps into a routine.
Bedtime or “calm time” can help kids regulate.

Combine sensory play with conversation.
Ask questions like “How are you feeling today?” while using toys or during bath time.

Child Therapists We’ve Worked With

We are fortunate to have a rich network of child therapists in the Bay Area. Please let us know if we can provide a referral.

Food

You’ve probably noticed how your child’s mood changes after eating certain foods. Maybe they’re grumpy when they skip breakfast or running around like a wild animal after eating a slice of cake. What you’re witnessing isn’t just sugar rushes or crashes, it’s the powerful connection between nutrition and mental health. Recent research reveals that children who eat healthier diets consistently show fewer symptoms of depression, anxiety, and emotion dysregulation.

We were recently given new guidance by the USDA and a whole new food pyramid…
Eat Real Food
USDA Press Release

Books — Help Kids Understand & Cope

These books can normalize feelings, start conversations, and help kids feel seen and understood during family changes. 

Two Homes by Claire Masurel 
Picture book for ages ~3–7 
Helps kids understand having two loving homes.

Dinosaurs Divorce by Laurene Krasny Brown & Marc Brown 
Ages ~4–8 
A gentle explanation of family changes.

It’s Not Your Fault, Koko Bear by Vicki Lansky 
Ages ~3–7 
Reassures kids that the divorce isn’t their fault.

The Invisible String by Patrice Karst 
Ages ~4–8 
Teaches connection and enduring love.

The Suitcase Kid by Jacqueline Wilson
Ages ~8–12
A chapter book about a child managing life between two homes.

Apps — Support Emotional Regulation & Resilience*

Emotional skills and coping tools delivered in kid-friendly formats. 

Smiling Mind
Free mindfulness & emotional well-being app

Zones of Regulation
Structured emotional regulation support
Available in app stores.

Mightier
Bio-feedback games to build emotional coping skills
Great for ages ~6–12.

Headspace for Kids
Mindfulness & calming exercises for kids
*Most apps are available on iOS and Android — search names in the App Store or Google Play.

Extra items for your child’s emotional toolkit

Fidget toys & sensory tools
Help kids manage big emotions through touch and movement. 

Calming Jar / Sensory Bottle
DIY kits or ready-made, watch movement to self-soothe.

Child-Friendly Bath Salts / Bath Bombs
Gentle & calming scents like lavender  
Not medical but can be part of soothing routines.

Emotion-Cards or Feelings Flashcards
Help kids name emotions and discuss them.