The Colorado Court welcomes you to a screening of

Dear Parents,

Welcome to a screening of SPLIT UP: The TEEN Years.

The 12 amazing young adults you are about to meet are wise, funny, and tell it like it is. They offer you as a parent helpful insights to better support your kids as your family changes.

Please read the tips below before you watch the film or share it with your children.

Our best to you and your family,

getting started

first, watch SPLIT UP without the kids...

Watch SPLIT UP after the kids’ have gone to bed, during the school day, or when they are with the other parent.

Have your own feelings and reactions to the film before considering sharing it with your teens.

...and get the support you need.

Talk to another adult about your feelings. Don’t turn to your kids for support. Remember: the goal is to support your children, not ask them to support you.

Write, exercise, walk the dog, talk with a trusted friend, see a therapist, or find a support group. Taking care of yourself makes you a stronger parent and models a healthy lifestyle for your children.

how will this film help my kids?

SPLIT UP encourages kids to talk

SPLIT UP offers your teens a hopeful message, and reminds them that they're not alone. It comforts older children to see their feelings and thoughts mirrored by other kids their age.

And SPLIT UP encourages your kids to talk. Children and teens have lots of feelings about divorce, but many don’t know how to express them.

This film is a great starting point for healing conversations with your children because you can focus on the kids in the film, instead of talking directly about what is happening in the family.

how to share SPLIT with the kids

find a quiet time

Watch SPLIT UP when the kids have some down time… after school or over the weekend. Put the devices away so everyone can focus without distractions.

watch SPLIT with younger children

With pre-teen children sit and watch the film together. It’s okay to let them watch it again, either with you or on their own.

older kids may want to watch it on their own

Older children may prefer to watch SPLIT UP on their own, but be available if they have questions or want to talk. Give your kids plenty of time to ask questions or talk about the film.

encourage their questions

Allow them to be curious. But also realize there is certain information your kids need to be shielded from, such as interpersonal problems in the marriage, child support, finances, and legal matters.

You can say, “I understand that you’re curious and may want to know more information. I will do my best to answer your questions, however, there are some things that need to stay private between parents. Our problems are not your problems.”

You don’t have to have all the answers. It’s okay to tell kids you need time to think about their questions, but don’t keep them waiting too long.