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High
Five Divorce Recovery Program For Children
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High Five is a program specifically written for children who are struggling to come to terms with the enormous changes that have taken place in their lives; changes due to the break up of their family.
For years we have heard the heart cry of these children as they try to adjust to circumstances beyond their control. Often people have the mistaken idea that children will bounce back, that they are flexible, that they will get over it. But we discovered these children were not bouncing back, they were not getting over it. Many were finding even the everyday tasks of life overwhelming.
God’s Word tells us He will be a father to the fatherless, that even if our father and mother forsake us, He will lift us up. But how will they know without someone to tell them? Where will they go to get help?
Together that’s what our task must be, to reach out to them with love and understanding. We need to be our God’s hands and feet, His eyes and ears, and His mouthpiece, to pour out words of comfort and encouragement.
We need to let them know our Heavenly Father has not abandoned them, that he has brilliant plans for their lives. He is interested in them personally, that they truly can be champions with his help and guidance.
This program seeks to begin the process of reaching out to these children with relevant material designed to confront some of the issues and questions specific to their needs.
The High Five program uses stories depicting actual situations they may find themselves in, exploring feelings and fears that they may have. It then becomes much easier for children to respond and open up. They can see that others feel and react just like them.
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Contents of the High Five pack |
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You can choose
10 year old Michael tells the story of his parents divorce and how it left him feeling hurt, sad and angry. Then he was introduced to the HIGH FIVE program and was helped to love and understand his parents more. His fear and worry is exchanged for peace.
The aim of this story is to introduce the children to the program and to show them that they still have a choice. They can choose to hold on to their hurts and problems and remain unhappy and sad OR they can choose to face the future with hope and assurance that God is always with them and will help, heal and comfort them as they turn to Him. |
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| Was it my fault?
This story helps children to realise that they are not responsible for their parents divorce or separation. It shows them that God wants them to be free of guilt, even false guilt. |
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Put away your crutches
This is the story of John, a boy who loves to exercise! One day he has a nasty fall, breaks his leg and has to have a plaster cast fitted. As he recovers and the cast is removed, he finds it difficult to let go of his crutches.
This story aims to teach children that they can trust in God in all circumstances and do not need to rely on other things to help them to overcome hurts and upset feelings.
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| Mark’s volcano
Mark’s volcano is the story of a boy who has difficulty controlling his anger. The story helps us to discover how the children are feeling and how they think and react in times of anger so that we can better understand and help them to deal with their feelings in a godly manner. |
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I’ll make him pay!
Through the story of Billy, a young boy who lost both his parents in a motor vehicle accident, children learn how vital it is to let go of anger and resentment and blame that is able to affect their lives in such devastating ways. |
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| Things change
In this session, children are introduced to some of the different circumstances that may confront those who experience the divorce or separation of their parents. Here we discover that while many things change throughout our lives, that God doesn’t change - and that he wants to help us grow through the changes we experience. |
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Wonderfully Made
This story shows children that all of us are a wonderful and unique creation - wonderfully made by God. Through the story of Susan and James who spend time with their Aunt & Uncle, children learn the words of the Bible that teach us how special every individual is to God. |
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| Worksheets
Each week, coaches work with every child on worksheets that helps them to express their feelings and responses to the changes they are experiencing.. |
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Take home aids
Children are also given various aids - especially Scripture verses that they can keep to help them through the long term effects and changes that come as a result of experiencing divorce.
Children are given practical tools to help them work with their emotions. |
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