In this episode, I explore the emotional terrain children navigate before, during, and after divorce. Through my original poem good morning, it’s midnight, I weave vivid imagery, poetic technique, and clinical insight to reveal the unseen weight kids often carry, the fear, confusion, and silent negotiations they make to protect those] they love.
Drawing on my work as a Licensed Professional Counselor, poet, and spoken word artist, I reflect on how divorce impacts a child’s sense of stability, trust, and self-worth. I connect poetic devices like imagery and alliteration to the way children process emotion, and I share how parents and clinicians can help kids feel heard, supported, and safe in the midst of family transition.
This episode is both a poetic performance and a clinical guide, an invitation to go beyond the surface, center the child’s perspective, and remember that the way we move through separation shapes more than just ourselves, it shapes the lives watching us.
----------------
Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
00:23 - The Cost of Divorce
01:43 - The Poem: good morning, it’s midnight
03:09 - The Breakdown: good morning, it’s midnight
06:42 - The Rhythm of Alliteration
08:55 - Individual and Couples Therapy
10:05 - Second Reading: good morning, it’s midnight
11:30 - Closing
---------------
Carl's Publication
The Mis-Execution of a Black Son by Carl Patterson, LPC - https://amzn.to/3UyX6nP
---------------
Book Resources
As Amazon Affiliates, we earn from qualifying purchases
---------------
Poetry Books:
Counting Descent — Clint Smith - https://amzn.to/4m88DWZ
Night Sky With Exit Wounds — Ocean Vuong - https://amzn.to/3Ujhqt8
Psychology Related Books:
Dear Parents: Notes from a Child of Divorce by Grace Casper - https://amzn.to/4m98ORU
Two Homes, One Childhood: A Parenting Plan to Last a Lifetime by Robert E. Emery - https://amzn.to/45bKyst
The Truth About Children and Divorce: Dealing with the Emotions So You and Your Children Can Thrive – Robert E. Emery -https://amzn.to/4mBl3qe
Helping Your Kids Cope with Divorce the Sandcastles Way — M. Gary Neuman - https://amzn.to/3J9cvIY
------------
Carl Patterson is a licensed professional counselor, published author, public speaker, and spoken word artist. Click the link to learn more about Carl and his works - https://www.familysolutionsok.com/carl-patterson
------------
This podcast is published and produced by Family Solutions Media, a media program of Family Solutions Counseling. For more great content, please check out our LinkTree - https://www.linktr.ee/familysolutionsok