Responses:
When teachers notice behavior that shows signs of a student in difficulty, such as those stated in the symptoms section, they should discuss with parents and the school councilor. When they know the student is struggling with parental divorce, there are responses that can be taken to help the student.
Teacher Response
Provide encouragement for students to make good decisions and to manage their own behaviour.
Have a private conversation with the student, ask if they are OK, be a good listener, let the student talk, and provide reassurance.
Be available for the student and parents to speak to.
Make sure the student is included in supportive friendship groups, both in the classroom and on the playground.
Communicate with parents about how their child is doing emotionally, socially, and academically.
Have flexible expectations with the student’s schoolwork. Develop a friendship with the student and parents so they can feel safe and secure to talk.
School Councilor Responses
Create a safe, friendly environment where the student can feel free to talk.
Help the student put their problems into perspective on a scale from zero to ten where zero is no problem and ten is the worst problem ever.
Provide guidance to parents on how to talk to each other when the child is present.
Develop an understanding of the student’s reaction to their parents and divorce by reflecting on their observations and conversations with the student.
School Administration Responses
Arrange one-on-one time with a teacher aide to provide emotional support or to help them settle into the day.
Arrange tutoring for the student with a teacher, other parents, peers, and teacher aides.
Organise financial support through the school welfare budget or community organisations for resources, food, and to help pay for school excursions and camps.
