Movies that may help children comprehend divorce

Many people in Milwaukee who have decided that divorce is the best option for them nevertheless worry about the impact the separation might have on their children. It can be hard for kids, especially younger ones, to envision the post-divorce future if they have nothing on which to model their expectations.

To provide examples so kids can develop an idea of what might lie ahead, family and relationship experts say it can be helpful show children movies with single parents as central characters. Seeing on-screen role models can help children develop ideas about what they might possibly expect.

Here are five movies with strong central characters who are single parents:

• “Sleepless in Seattle”: One of the 1990s’ most iconic romantic comedies stars Tom Hanks as a grieving widower and single father. What is good about this movie is that the chain of events that eventually leads to Hanks’ and Meg Ryan’s characters meeting is set in motion by Hanks’ character’s son. This movie will introduce children to the idea that it can be a good idea for single parents to start dating again when the time is right.
• “Waitress”: Keri Russell plays (surprise!) a small-town waitress who finds herself pregnant with her husband’s baby after she has separated from him. This independent film was praised by critics, but it does have some adult themes, so it is not a good choice for youngsters.
• “About a Boy”: This Hugh Grant drama was not a big hit, but critics lauded it for its moving themes and excellent acting. Grant plays a shallow, self-centered bachelor who mends his ways after he strikes up a friendship with a 12-year-old boy whose mother could use a friend of her own.
• “Jerry Maguire”: Renee Zellweger leapt to stardom with her portrayal of a single mom who falls for a callous sports agent (it’s the role for which she uttered the famous line “You had me at hello”). Bear in mind this movie is rated R.
• “The Holiday”: If our female readers swoon over Jude Law, they are going to swoon even more when they see him playing a dedicated single father who is left to raise two girls after his wife dies. Luckily for him, Cameron Diaz is not only single, but loves making pillow forts with his daughters, too.

Source: Parenting, “11 Movies About Single Parent Families,” Christine Coppa, last accessed Sept. 21, 2011