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Expert Q&A

 

By Paul Coleman
Psychologist Family Therapist

My daughter started wearing only black and not being social after my divorce. What should I do?

Changing the color of her clothes will make you feel better but probably won't affect your daughter that much. She does sound depressed and might benefit from a talk with a school guidance counselor or a professional therapist. Some schools have programs for kids with divorced parents (programs such as ""Banana Splits"" and so on).

Talking with other kids who have had their parents divorce might help her socialization as well. Perhaps you could talk to the mother of a friend of hers and arrange a shopping day for all of you. That might inspire your daughter to pick out some more colorful clothes. Still, the clothes won't change how she is feeling about the divorce and whatever else might be troubling her. This might be a time to consider having her join some group activity that she might enjoy – perhaps a local dance school, acting classes, martial arts and so on. She needs to feel worthwhile, competent and needs at least a few friends."

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