“Don’t Hate Your Ex More Than You Love Your Children”

Divorce is heartbreaking and stressful for the whole family—including the kids. But, there are many ways that parents can support their children as they navigate this family transition. From telling the children they will separate, to nesting, and supporting two loving households, to the five stages of divorce grief for children to How to deal with an uncooperative Ex, Oona Metz, author of Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women will discuss some of the most vital ways for parents to help their children through transitioning from one home to two.

Oona Metz, LICSW, CGP is a nationally recognized therapist, writer, and speaker who specializes in treating women navigating divorce. With over thirty years of clinical experience, Oona leads four weekly Divorce Support Groups, and is the founder of The Beacon Group Fellowship which trains mental health clinicians throughout the country to lead divorce support groups. Oona has published essays in Psychotherapy Networker, Cognoscenti, Social Work Voice, Social Work Advocates and other outlets. Her book Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women (Simon & Schuster) will be available in bookstores in January 2026. She lives near Boston, Massachusetts, with her partner and a handful of pets. Her young adult children have flown the coop but visit often.