Visitation Through the Eyes of Children is a supportive workbook designed to help children navigate the emotional and practical challenges of visitation arrangements after family separation due to domestic violence. Created by Lindy Swimm, MAE, LCSW, it uses the story of Michael, a young boy living in two homes, to address common feelings, fears, and questions children may have about visitation.
The workbook provides simple, engaging activities to help children develop a personal safety plan, express their emotions, and feel more secure during visits. It emphasizes that children are not at fault for family conflicts and helps them build resilience while fostering a sense of stability and safety.
How Can Social Workers and Professionals Use This Workbook?
- Teach Safety Planning: Use the workbook to guide children in creating a safety plan, including identifying safe spaces, knowing emergency contacts, and managing situations when parents fight.
- Support Emotional Expression: Encourage children to explore their feelings about visitation through drawing, writing, and other activities.
- Provide Coping Strategies: Help children learn techniques for managing fear, loneliness, or confusion during visits, such as breathing exercises, visualization, or talking to a trusted adult.
- Encourage Healthy Communication: Use the workbook to promote positive interactions between parents and children, fostering trust and minimizing conflict.
This workbook is a practical tool for social workers, counselors, and educators working with families experiencing separation and domestic violence. It provides clear, actionable steps to help children feel safer and more supported during challenging transitions.
Click below to access Visitation Through the Eyes of Children and incorporate it into your sessions or workshops today.
