ABSTRACT
This chapter suggests that there can be a coherent story in many family conflicts, and the child can construct a coherent narrative for himself or herself. The purpose of story of the divorce exercise is to reduce confusion and anxiety by providing children with a way to organize their understanding of parental conflict without blaming or taking sides. The identity shields idea is to create a shield that shows what each child is striving for, an ideal that sets a standard rather than an expectation of unrealistic perfection. The role-play activity is designed to help younger children apply the ideas that are introduced in 'The Turtle Story' to their understanding of their own family. The leader distributes an award certificate to each child and notes that each award is different and personal. The leader should attempt to reinforce authentic qualities, such as effort, bravery, or honesty.
