Sea and Sand Book - Explaining Divorce To Young Children

Sea & Sand
- Explaining the end of a relationship to young children -
Written and Illustrated by Jonathan Lang.

Edited by Georgie Wagner.
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Foreword – For the Parents
This was, without a doubt, the saddest story I have ever had to write. Even now, almost two years later,
reading, and editing it, my heart breaks a thousand times. It is also I believe, the most important thing
I have ever written, or will ever write, on many levels.
As a way to introduce a terrible subject to our bright three year old son, it worked really well. I believe it
helped navigate all the tricky by-roads and, it answered (I hope) many of the tough questions in an open
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I believe it helped me and my soon to be ex-wife remember that the pending divorce should not affect
our children. It reminded us that even though we had been unable to resolve our own problems, there was
a time when what we shared outweighed all the challenges and realities that the world would soon throw
at us. Mostly, it made us realise that in spite of all our differences, and all our separate (and cumulative)
failings, that the time that we had spent together had yielded so much more than just memories. It had
set us on the path to an unforgettable journey that would shape both of our futures.
Today, I am proud to say that my ex-wife is one of my best friends and I turn to her when life gets me down.
She too has no hesitation in calling on me if she needs help, I have unbelievable access to my children
and a relationship with her that many of our divorced friends cannot understand. I would like to think that
the nights we spent reading this book to our son, in some way helped remind us that even when things
don’t work, they still work out. Mostly though, I believe that our commitment to always put our own petty
reactions aside in favour of the well-being of our children is what has saved us.
Georgie, as a mother, a friend, and someone who holds a special place in my heart you have no equal.
To all the parents reading this: love your children, protect them, and always remember that your marriage
was worthwhile, and that even though it ended, there was a time when you too thought that the sea and
the sand were nothing more than geography.
Jonathan
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The first important thing
to remember about turtles,
is that there are no good turtles and no bad turtles
...just turtles.
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The second important thing
to remember is that even though
turtles come in all shapes and sizes,
there are only two kinds.
Some that live on the land and some that live in the sea.
Sea turtles can never be land turtles,

and land turtles can never be sea turtles,
but they are ALL just turtles.
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Once upon a time there were two turtles.
There was a boy turtle called Timmy
and a girl turtle called Erin.
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Timmy lived on the land,
and Erin lived in the sea. This story is about their friendship, their
love, their family, and the happy future
they all managed to build.
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Whenever Snapper and Daisy were with their mom or their
dad, they would play, and go for long walks, or
long cool swims in the sea and help each other to
make sure that their little babies had a fun time.
Timmy and Erin and Snapper and Daisy all knew

that no matter where they lived or what happened
in their lives, they would all care for each other
very much, and share a special relationship,
that NOBODY could ever break.
THE END
23
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The end of a relationship is never easy, and when small children are involved the issue
becomes even more complicated. The task of explaining to young children why their
parents no longer live together can be terrifying at best. So much so, that it is
often neglected or even left for the child to work through alone.
This book provides a simple, yet effective way to help children understand that
often, the separation is for the best and that although life will change, they will
remain at the centre of their parents’ universe.
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How do Timmy and Erin meet?

What challenges do Timmy and Erin face in their relationship?

Sea & Sand

- Explaining the end of a relationship to young children -

Written and Illustrated by Jonathan Lang.

Sea turtles can never be land turtles,

Timmy and Erin and Snapper and Daisy all knew

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