Divorce: The Unspoken Childhood Trauma

Tara Seals does not disappoint in taking the reader on a personal journey of her life as a child of divorce. Tara's vulnerability and courage to share the pain of how her parent’s divorce dismantled her family, created a traumatic childhood, and changed her to her core is well worth the read. This is a gut check for family, friends, and other caring adults who work with children experiencing the painful effects of divorce on young people. Tara shares her story with honesty and forgiveness after much soul-searching, therapy, and introspection, starting as a child all the way into adulthood. As I read, I was transfixed by the piercing details. Tara recalled how her childhood innocence crumbled with new revelations of the divorce; however, she shared decisive triumphs of how her mom, grandmom, and favorite teacher were sources of strength and guidance for her. I appreciate Tara for shedding light and providing the truth about the effects of divorce on the young- a silent, overlooked childhood trauma. Because of my newfound awareness, I am better equipped as a father, friend, educator, and family/community member to be sensitive to the painful and ugly realities of children who are going through divorce trauma Tara, thank you for sharing your transformative experience with us. The realness and the rawness of your massage break through the noise to allow perspective, wisdom, and healing to occur for untold numbers of children. I appreciate the takeaways at the end of the chapters. These takeaways provided valuable resources and wisdom to help parents and caring adults who work with children experiencing divorce trauma be more responsive and equipped with knowledge and skills to support children experiencing divorce or other forms of abandonment trauma with informed, loving care.

Awesome! I couldn’t stop reading the book until I finished it! I like how the author gives the reader an up close personal view without all extra fluff; it’s straight to the point, user friendly and also can serve as a reference guide as well with the the “take always” bonus of the book.

A great read! I love the authenticity and vulnerability in this book. It makes readers connect and understand that others have relatable childhood traumas and how one can take the steps to move and grow from them.

Tara's writing in "Divorce: The Unspoken Childhood Trauma" is easy reading, concise, and to the point. Her stories, taken chiefly from life growing up in the Southern U.S., are used to illustrate essential insights that her readers can identify with and apply to their own lives. In addition, she highlights insights at the end of chapters so busy readers can quickly review the wisdom to support themselves and their children and/or family through the traumatic times during and after a family divorce. The book's intimate tone comes from the impact of her parents' divorce on her growing up and from her work as an educator supporting thousands of children from divorced families and seeing firsthand the effects of unresolved trauma in her students. After reading the book, the poignancy of many childhood visual images of my family and friends gave me a new understanding of old events. It also reminded me of thoughts, feelings, and decisions I made as a child that could still have an unconscious effect on some parts of my behavior. Many divorced parents, children of divorce, and folks affected by family or friends who have divorced will find reading Tara's book a valuable experience.

Divorce: The Unspoken Childhood Trauma is a sobering, sometimes triggering tale of the damage that can be inflicted on children as result of their parents' marriage breakdown. T. Seals pulls no punches in sharing her experience in this eye-opening quick read. Her recollection of her parents' attitudes and dismissal of her pain will force you to re-examine your behaviors and relationships with your own kids as a single parent. This book is a must read not only for anyone that is contemplating ​separation/divorce, but it is invaluable for anyone thinking about possibly getting married in the future. Highly recommended! - Eric B.