[BB64]

It's a good idea but it would be very hard to monitor. How about a pen pal scheme? Long distance calls can be expensive

[Lotus]

What about skype? With a web cam, they can also see each other.  It's easy to monitor if they keep the conversation on speaker rather than on head phone. They may also appreciate being able to speak confidentially to each other, as they do when they talk with their therapists.

I also have not used "MLC" to describe what H has done to the family and I would prefer to avoid using the term if we connect the kids since it's bound to get back to H. As we all know, one does not tell the WAS that he/she is in MLC and hearing it through the kids will be even less appreciated.

My daughter had only one other friend (boy 12) whose father has done the same thing.  They really enjoyed each others company and talked a lot about each of their situations and how they felt about it. This friend has since moved out of state so it would be nice if she could connect with another her age (especially another girl)  and they can share feelings, experiences, fears, frustrations, etc.
Our children have been even more traumatized than we have and an outlet with someone that is going/has gone through the same thing could be beneficial.

FYI we are on Pacific time so it would be ideal if we could hook up with someone in our same time zone.

[1994]

I'd guess that the modrators would question if they should get in the business of children's mental health

I'd start with school counselors and church groups

[UKStander]

It's an interesting idea, Thundarr.  Age range would have to be thought about carefully. Older kids might find it easier to find points of connection with complete strangers?  Tricky to make the introductions though. You'd maybe just have to dip a toe in the water and try it. Find someone with a kid of similar age, and similar level of wisdom/OK-ness with the whole thing.

Good luck and I'd encourage my S15 to talk if there were similar out there of his age. He's pretty cool about the whole situation.... So could perhaps relate to someone who similarly just wanted to share and laugh.

UKS

[Songanddance]

UKS - my S is 15 nearly 16 and really struggling with anger and hatred for H (check ask Mentor 4 andmy thread)
TBH if he could hook up with like minded teenagers who perhaps have a more positive way of looking at it I would like him to do so. My S has become so detached he doesn't care if H lives or not and means it. He has a good group of friends but not one of them has the same sitch.
 I think that under CEOP rules for UK this kind of forum would be difficult to monitor but perhaps a similar concept could be looked at through something like childline?
Sorry fellow LBSers if you are not UK but child protection laws are an issue here.

[BB64]

SD, if your son has a facebook account, I am sure my daughter who is 17 would be happy to chat with him. She's a very sweet girl, hard working, stays out of trouble and her way of coping has been through her art work and getting A grades in all her A level works.
She doesn't hate her dad, hates the situation though and she know he's in MLC.

[Songanddance]

Thanks b b64  I Will mention that to s.

[Thundarr]

I think the benefit of sharing their feelings with someone like them is invaluable.  Perhaps my perspective is skewed by the fact I lead teenage groups at work but I think we should at least try it out before deciding it's not a good idea.

[iamnottheenemy]

I do like the idea, particularly for the tween/teens.  Perhaps there could be subgroups by age?  It sounds like there are a lot of 12s.  I also have a D12 who is interested in talking to others.

I like the idea of Skype.  The complicating factor is time zones.

[sleepless]

Interesting idea. Definitely have my attention in regards to my D13. Still not sure though. I will be discussing this with others in my support structure.