Educational Media Reviews Online

Child development educator Dr. Frances Bond acts as the host in this videotape, which brings together a clinical social worker, a lawyer, a divorced mother and a stepmother to shed light on the effects of divorce on children. Professor Stuart Fishelman, the clinical social worker, offers some practical steps to follow when talking to children about the divorce. Such things as getting the children together and telling them all at the same time is one point that he makes. Being honest and direct is another, as is reassuring the children that they are not responsible for their parents' separation. He points out that parents must realize that children will go through stages of guilt and feeling responsible, and experience a strong desire to try to put the family back together. Only gradually will they come to accept the divorce, and they will require much reassurance and attention along the way.

A lawyer discusses the legal implications of divorce, particularly focusing on custody issues. Most courts will accept the custody arrangements made by the parents, ordering some other arrangement only if absolutely necessary. She points out that the courts consider the "best interest of the child" when making all decisions about custody, and these interests are defined by the parent who primarily took care of the child during the marriage. She defines the difference between joint, shared, and sole custody, pointing out that it is rare to truly share custody, in which the child splits his or her time with both parents. More often, one parent is the custodian of the child, while the other shares legal obligations and rights, such as being able to get medical and school records.

Finally, a divorced mother speaks briefly about her situation, and a stepmother raises some issues about bringing her new husband's daughter into the family.

This tape could be called a "video pamphlet," as it is brief, and mentions only a few of the major issues confronting divorce and children. It is not an exhaustive analysis of divorce by any means. The only people on the tape are the five individuals mentioned, and the style is one of "talking heads." Children do not appear in the tape.

The production values are minimal, and the presentation is quite dry and scripted. The advantages of the video medium, such as showing the interaction of children with their parents, or illustrating family dynamics, are totally lacking. This is obviously a local production of the Baltimore Public School System, and would be of use only as the most basic introduction to the issues confronting children and divorce. Not recommended.