Tools & Tips from Michael Becker

Mom’s House, Dad’s House for Kids

An excellent resource for kids going through divorce is Isolina Ricci’s Mom’s House, Dad’s House for Kids. Ricci also wrote the iconic book, Mom’s House, Dad’s House.

I keep multiple copies of this book in my client library, and they circulate regularly. It’s aimed at kids over 10, though Ricci
encourages parents of younger kids to read age-appropriate sections together with, or to, them. She also encourages parents to read the book themselves.

Ricci helps kids navigate the daily realities of divorce in an engaging way. I appreciate sections on typical questions kids have about divorce, understanding legal terms, what to do when parents date and/or remarry, and how to navigate stepfamily relationships. Ricci also encourages kids to take care of themselves, take pride in their family, and — most important — to have dreams and goals.

Recent Tools & Tips

529 Accounts Get a Power Boost

The recent tax bill passed by Congress has significantly expanded the benefits of 529 education savings accounts. These accounts still grow tax-free and allow tax-free withdrawals for qualified education expenses, but the list of such expenses has broadened considerably. Previously limited mainly to college costs, and up to $10,000 annually for K-12 tuition, the new…

The Ultimate Pre-Marriage Checklist

A friend recently told me her son is delaying his marriage. The couple discovered some disagreements about how they envisioned being married. It gave me the opening to share the short book The Hard Questions: 100 Essential Questions to Ask Before You Say “I Do” with my friend. I recommend it highly to anyone considering…

You and Your Young Adult Child — A Review

In You and Your Young Adult Child, Laurence Steinberg offers useful advice for parents of 20-somethings.

The LOVE Prescription — A Review

In The LOVE Prescription, John and Julie Schwartz Gottman offer a seven-day step-by-step manual to help those looking to improve their relationship.