In brief: What to read with your child when your family changes

Think of every picture book your child has ever loved. How many show a family going through separation? Almost none - so what does that silence tell a child whose reality looks very different?

Released: 10 June 2026
25 MIN
#198
Coparenting

Think of every picture book your child has ever loved. How many show a family going through separation? Almost none - so what does that silence tell a child whose reality looks very different? 

Kate is joined by Elizabeth Rudnick, whose picture book First Night at Dad's was born from her own experience of separation. Together they explore the gap in children's literature around divorce, why the right story can make a real difference - and how to start the conversations that matter most.

We talk about:

  • Elizabeth's personal story of separation and what it taught her about how children process change 
  • Why so few children's books reflect the reality of separated families 
  • The milestones we forget to mark - why a child's first night at dad's deserves the same acknowledgement as their first steps 
  • Why the right book helps both child and parent through a tricky moment together 
  • Practical tips for talking to your children about separation in an age-appropriate way

This episode is for any parent who wants to support their child through separation but isn't sure where to start - and for anyone who works with or cares for children going through family change. 

Meet Elizabeth Rudnick

Elizabeth Rudnick has worked in publishing for over two decades as a writer, editor, and agent. She has written more than thirty books including the Young Adult novel Tweet Heart, as well as numerous bestselling Disney novelisations such as _Cinderella, Frozen, Moana, _and Beauty and the Beast. _First Night at Dad's _is her first original picture-book. Elizabeth lives in North Carolina, with her son and their dog.

You can find First Night at Dad's on Amazon, and you can get in touch with Elizabeth on her website or on Instagram.

More divorce resources

Need expert help right now?

Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert for guidance on the legal, financial, emotional or co-parenting aspects of separation. Or explore our Separating with Children Service - a 90-minute joint session with a Co-parenting Specialist tailored to your family’s needs.

Want ongoing support through separation?

Join amicable space for bonus podcast episodes, exclusive webinars and articles on co-parenting and an interactive community where you can share questions and get expert advice from amicable specialists. Start your free trial here.

Kate’s book amicable divorce includes dedicated chapters on co-parenting, with practical guidance on supporting your children's wellbeing, talking to them in age-appropriate ways and building a cooperative co-parenting relationship that reduces conflict. Find it on Amazon today.

Want to stay organised as co-parents?

Download our free Parenting Plan template to help you and your co-parent agree on shared goals, routines and decision-making – with your children at the centre.

Try the amicable co-parenting app free for 3 months to share calendars, track expenses and communicate clearly. Open this link on your phone, install the app, create your account, select 'I have a promo code', enter PODCAST and press ‘apply’.

Got a question for a future episode?

Share your thoughts at hello@amicable.co.uk or through direct messages on Instagram.

Latest Episodes

Episode #204: In brief: The history of the family court - and why it matters
The legal bit
22 July 2026
25 MIN

In brief: The history of the family court - and why it matters

Children were once seen as their father's property. So how did we get from there to a family court system that tries – however imperfectly – to put their welfare first?

#204
Episode #203: Widowed and divorced AF: Rosie Moss on finding love after loss
Separation stories
15 July 2026
43 MIN

Widowed and divorced AF: Rosie Moss on finding love after loss

What happens when you find love again after losing your partner - and that second love story ends too?

#203
Episode #202: In brief: Family court – what to expect and how to prepare with AdviceNow
The legal bit
8 July 2026
24 MIN

In brief: Family court – what to expect and how to prepare with AdviceNow

Family court is the part of divorce most people hope to avoid – and for good reason. But if it becomes part of your journey, knowing what to expect can change everything.

#202

Listen to The Divorce Podcast on your favourite platform