The divorce process can be a difficult time for both parents and the children involved. It is a time of many transitions. There may be changes in feelings, friends, family, and home life. Parents need to communicate with their child(ren) during and about the changes taking place. In addition to books, videos may also be a way to encourage communication. Through the parent-child discussing the video, the child(ren):

1. Learn s/he is not alone. Seeing other children going through the same situations could help alleviate feelings of isolation or of being an outsider.

2. Identify with characters in a way that s/he understands and be able to relate to characters, particularly those of the same age and gender.

3. Gain insight and knowledge and apply that knowledge to real life. This teaches the child ways of coping with the divorce.

Videos may serve as a channel to release tension. The child can discuss very personal feelings through the characters. Discussing the video with your child will allow you to understand more about what your child is going through. It will also give your child a safe way to ask questions and stimulate further conversation. Not only will the use of the help the child learn ways of coping and dealing with divorce, but it also can be a way for your and your divorcing spouse to cope with the transition of divorce.

For the child(ren):
The children in the story are: Daughter 13, son 12, daughter 5.

Notice how the father explains the divorce to the children, explaining they did not cause the divorce.

While he does not ask the children to spy, as Mrs. Doubtfire he does spy on his former wife's private life. This may be an opportunity to discuss dating with your children.

At the end of the video, Mrs. Doubtfire discusses different kinds of families. This is exceptionally well done and an opportunity to talk with your child about the many family structures and that a strong family is not dictated by the structure.

For the parents:
Notice how the youngest tells dad to think "good things" about mommy.

Notice how a new romance by the mother affects the father. How have your prepared yourself for this?

Finances result in the father working two jobs. His source of emotional support is his brother.

The importance of being on time to drop off and pick up children is illustrated when Sally Fields (Mrs. Hillard) drops the children off late and picks them up early, resulting in conflict.

The frustration of finding child care are explored in this video. What should one look for in child care? Look at Extension Publication GH6233 Finding and Selecting Good Child Care

What does Robin Williams (Mr. Hillard) do as he moves from a Disneyland Dad (Before the divorce) to an authoritative dad?

Note how the father is portrayed as incompetent (as Mrs. Doubtfire) in preparing   supper meal. How might one handle societal Stereotypes about fathering?