A paradigm-shifting model of parenting children in two homes from an internationally recognized expert.
 
A researcher, therapist, and mediator, Robert Emery, Ph.D., details a new approach to sharing custody with children in two homes. Huge numbers of children are affected by separation, divorce, cohabitation breakups, and childbearing outside of marriage. These children have two homes. But their parents have only one chance to protect their childhood. Building on his 2004 book The Truth About Children and Divorce and a strong evidence base, including his own research, Emery explains that a parenting plan that lasts a lifetime is one that grows and changes along with children’s—and families’—developing needs. Parents can and should work together to renegotiate schedules to best meet the changing needs of children from infancy through young adult life. Divided into chapters that address the specific needs of children as they grow up, Emery:


   • Introduces his Hierarchy of Children’s Needs in Divorce
   • Provides specific advice for successful parenting, starting with infancy and reaching into emerging adulthood
   • Advocates for joint custody but notes that children do not count minutes and neither should parents
   • Highlights that there is only one “side” for parents to take in divorce: the children’s side
Himself the father of five children, one from his first marriage, Emery brings a rare combination of personal and professional insight and guidance for every parent raising a child in two homes. “Emery’s assessment of divorce and its effects on children is spot-on. Parents faced with divorce would do well to bring Emery’s book to the table at the next mediation session.”
—Kirkus Reviews
 
“Two Homes, One Childhood provides a crucial road map for understanding children’s needs at every stage of development with guidelines for flexible parenting plans that change with the child’s needs over time. [A] brilliant, child-centered approach…a must-read for every separating parent and the professionals who work with them.”
—Joanne Pedro-Carroll, Ph. D., author of Putting Children First, clinical psychologist, and child specialist
 
“An invaluable guide and resource for parents working together to raise their children after divorce or separation. [Emery’s] advice and insight are sensible, sympathetic, and scientifically sound.”
—Elizabeth Scott, Harold R. Medina Professor of Law at Columbia Law School
 
“I recommend this book to all those who proclaim that their primary concern is the well-being of children of separation and divorce. Dr. Emery provides practical guidance to parents, lawyers, judges, mediators—just call him Coach!”
—Hon. Ann Sundt (ret.)
 
“Emery is a rare find: an acclaimed divorce scientist and mediator who knows the realities of separated parenting. His advice is educative, reassuring, and motivating, and will go a long way to enabling parents to help their children thrive between two homes.”
—Jennifer E. McIntosh, professor of psychology and founder ChildrenBeyondDispute.com
 
“Robert Emery keeps his eyes and yours, glued on children, while guiding parents through an evidence-based approach to raising children in two homes. I highly recommend this book to parents and their co-parents.”
—E. Mark Cummings, Ph. D., Professor and Notre Dame Endowed Chair in Psychology, Director, Family Studies Center
 
“[Emery] offers a hopeful message aimed at the parental heart and intent on keeping children’s needs front and center.”
—Marsha Kline Pruett, Ph. D., M.S.L., Maconda Brown O’Connor Professor, Director, Clinical Research Institute, Smith College School for Social Work
 
“As a juvenile and family court judge. I have admired Robert Emery’s work for decades. This book is particularly relevant to separated parents. It is written clearly, and is practical, I plan on encouraging judicial colleagues to read it.”
—Judge Leonard Edwards (ret.)