
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?
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?
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:
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.
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.
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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?

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