How do I support this child? Advice needed.

[Mikachu]

I know it's near the end of term and there are only 9 days left but a girl in my class is going through hell and I don't know how best to support her. She's 11 years old.

Her parents are divorcing. In the last month she has not only discovered this but also that there is an affair involved with her best friend's parent. She's understandably devastated and confused. What can I say to help her??

[SavoyCabbage]

Yes, and I would tell her that she can always talk to you if she needs to, even when you are not her class teacher.

[LoganMummy]

Agree with above.

[horsetowater]

I think you need to offer both children your support - they are best friends and both have adulterous parents (no judgement there, just the facts). They need each other but this could set them apart. This is about finding a way forward for them both.

[Mikachu]

Thanks. I'm doing what I can to look after both. One is very adamant that she is fine (which means she isn't, but if she won't talk about it there's not a lot I can do other than keep an eye on her). Both of them know that I'm here for them. They're moving onto secondary school after next week but they know I'm always here if they need me.

It's so hard to not say anything about either parent to either child. Sometimes I hate having to stay neutral. I'm furious with both parents for what they have done to their families, so goodness knows what the girls are feeling. I just wish I could make it better for them.