Mom's House, Dad's House: Playful Therapy for Children of Divorce

A creative play therapy idea Click image above to find these boxes.

Mom's House/Dad's House

For decades I've done a little activity with children whose parents are going through a divorce, which allows them to process the feelings related to going between two houses, along with the myriad issues that come with this life-changing event. 

While in the office, I've often used a set of two dollhouses, each one to signify either mom's or dad's house. 

When doing homebased therapy, things get a bit trickier and I transitioned into using small paper lunch bags, inviting children to draw mom's house on one and dad's house on the other. It was a great way to accomplish the same activity, without having to schlep actual dollhouses from place to place. 

Because...portability is EVERYTHING when you are on the run! 

But wait...hold onto your hats, because I've just found something WAAAAAaaaayyyyy better!

Portable, collapsible, sturdy paper houses that are the things dreams are made of for creative therapists!

Click image above to find these boxes.

Portable, Foldable Houses to the Rescue

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine these cutie little, foldable houses (made to deliver delectable treats of all kinds to friends and family) that I could use over and over again with kiddos when playing out their feelings related to their parent's divorce.

The very minute I saw these beauties, I knew just what I would do with them! 

Never mind what their intended purpose was (though it's a great purpose in and of itself), I was on a mission to make these beauties go to work in a whole new way! 

Click image above to find these boxes.

Therapist and Kid Approved!

I've been using these little house boxes for almost a year...and I have no intention of stopping anytime soon! 

They have worked their magic with countless kids...allowing them to process thoughts, feeling, worries and concerns...as well as triumphs, joys and new hopes and dreams...as they have adjusted to their parent's divorce and the changes it has brought to their lives. 

How I Use the Boxes, Plus More Ideas to Help!

Click image above to get this instant download!

I've pulled together an instant download that explains to you exactly how I use the two-house-method in playful therapy with kids, as well as 20 question prompts and 6 worksheet pages!

You can purchase your guide RIGHT HERE and start using it immediately, or you can read more about it HERE. 

Click image above to get this instant download.

What You Get with the Houses

Here's how the boxes come! You get a set of 20, along with the quality ribbons for tying at the top! 

Click image above to find these boxes.

These are fantastic for being used as intended, for sharing holiday treats. The boxes are sturdy, well-constructed and are embossed so beautifully. 

There's nothing flimsy or cheap here!

The Inventor of the Boxes

Pictured above is Karen, the inventor of the house shaped boxes!

The whole reason I even knew these boxes existed is because of my beautiful friend, Karen! I've known her for years online, and when I saw she designed a line of boxes that looked like houses, you know my first thought was, "I'm totally using these in play therapy!" It's only been about year, and I'm finally taking the time to write about it. And share how I use them!

Karen is a baker...and a very skilled one at that. You can find her online on Instagram @karen.t.ology

She shares recipes, tips and tricks. And makes ahhhhh-mazing holiday fare in her kitchen! 

Check her out...and definitely check out her very cool boxes!

A Closer Look

Look at how beautiful they are, up close. There's so much attention to detail!

Click image above to find these boxes.

Here's how these beauties were meant to be used, but I love to think "outside of the box", pun intended!

Click image above to find these boxes.

You're Going to Love Them

I really think you're going to love these as much as I do! 

You can get these lovelies in a set of 20 with bright ribbons or a set of 20 with neutral ribbons.

But don't stop there, because Karen has several different boxes available in the line-up, as well as some limited edition ones that come available during holidays. 

How to Use in Play Therapy

Find this instant download by clicking the image above.

You can use the houses however you'd like in play therapy. You're only limited by your own creativity.

If you'd like to know exactly how I use them, just go HERE to find my instant download guide and worksheets! 

Find this product by clicking the image above.

More Resources for Helping Children Cope with Divorce

Find a treasure trove of suggested activities and resources to help children cope with divorce by clicking right here!

Join the Kidlutions Family

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Until next time,

Wendy Young, LMSW, BCD, is  the founder of Kidlutions and co-author of BLOOM: 50 Things to Say, Think and Do with Anxious, Angry and Over-the-Top Kids, co-creator of BLOOM Brainsmarts, and creator of The Joyful Parent. She is the author of numerous workbooks and resources to help from the preschool through the teen years. 

Follow her on Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook! You can also find her @thetenacioustherapist on Instagram, where she helps other therapists create a life they love. She'd love to see your smiling face there! Affiliate links may be used in this post. Please see our full disclaimer, located at the top of our page for more information.