Ain't no secret that divorce is hard on the kids. Now a big East Coast divorce law firm is offering clients a video game to help kids deal with emotional issues that come up during the transition. I know, "Wha...?" But yes, Rosen Law Firm gives Earthquake in Zipland, "the first research-based psychological computer game aimed at helping children ages 7-13 cope with divorce" to the children of splitting clients. According to the press release, "Jennifer Coleman, life transition coach with Rosen Law Firm and a national certified counselor with a background in marriage and family counseling. 'Children will have fun playing this interactive game while addressing some of the emotional issues they face concerning their parents' divorce.'" I don't know if I'd generally link "fun" and "addressing emotional issues" together, unless it involves JD and throwing stuff, but whatever works. Is "life transition coach" code for "divorce shrink"? It just sounds so soft-pedaled.
I actually think the whole game thing is a fab idea, though I'm sure some critics and haters of our increasingly tech-driven culture will despise it. Therapists have been using toys and art as therapeutic tools for a long time, and some of the kids of divorcing parents would have a certain amount of resistance to talking about feelings with the 'rents. If the game helps them express or get in touch with the hard stuff, hooray. The banner photo on the website is odd though, with the tense kid huddled over the game, mom kind of casually edging her way in, and that sorry, sad little moose-thing looking like he's ready to beg for a Prozac prescription. If you've played Earthquake, check in and lemme know what you thought.
