Episode Summary:
In this episode of The Jennifer Hargrave Show, Jennifer sits down with Amy Tyson—teacher, mother of three, and author of the children’s book One Princess, Two Castles. Drawing from her personal experience of going through two divorces, Amy shares the heart behind her mission to help parents talk with their children about divorce in a way that is gentle, affirming, and hopeful.

This discussion about how to talk to kids about divorce starts with age-appropriate scripts and honest, brief explanations. This guide covers preschool, school-age, and teen talking points, co-parenting coordination, the best interests of the child lens, and when counseling helps—so Dallas parents can keep routines steady and give children language that reduces fear.

Amy discusses how her daughters’ reactions to traditional divorce literature inspired her to write a different kind of story—one that validates a child’s emotions while also encouraging a healthy, loving relationship with both parents. The core message? “Things will be different, but things will be good.” This conversation explores how the right words and resources can make a lasting impact on a child’s emotional wellbeing during a difficult time.

Amy also opens up about her faith, her work leading single parent groups, and her future writing plans. This episode is filled with warmth, wisdom, and encouragement for families facing one of life’s most difficult transitions.

Full Refined Transcript:

Jennifer Hargrave:
How do you talk to your children about divorce? That’s one of the most challenging issues parents face when they are going through it.

My guest here today is Amy Tyson. She’s the mother of three daughters and a teacher by profession. When she was facing her own divorce, she realized there needed to be a better way to facilitate the conversation with children—one that was healthy and child-centered. That realization led her to write a book called One Princess, Two Castles, and she’s here today to talk about the importance of the messages we send our children during divorce.

Amy, thank you so much for taking the time to be here.

Amy Tyson:
Thank you for having me!

Jennifer Hargrave:
I’m really excited. Your book is just darling—it’s such a sweet and thoughtful way of talking about divorce. What led you to write this book?

Amy Tyson:
Well, I’ve actually been divorced twice. When I went through my first divorce in 2008, I only had two daughters at the time—ages four and a half and seven and a half. My main concern was how on earth I was going to tell them, because they were my world, and I desperately wanted to get it right.

I reached out to my church, and they loaned me a book to read to my girls. I remember meeting their dad at a park, finding a quiet area under a tree, and reading the book to them. It was heartbreaking. Not only was the day hard—they hated the book, and I couldn’t soften the blow.

Years later, I was going through my second divorce, and now I had a third daughter, who was five. There was double the pressure. I felt like double the failure. My two oldest daughters still remembered that original book—and that day—with such negative emotions. I realized, if a book has that much impact, I had to get it right this time.

I reached out to the school counselor and asked for a better resource. She recommended a book from Amazon, but when it arrived, I just couldn’t read it to my daughter. It didn’t feel right. So I sat down and wrote One Princess, Two Castles—and now family law firms and therapists are carrying it.

Jennifer Hargrave:
And what I love about your book is the heart of the message. What would you say that core message is?

Amy Tyson:
I wanted to help young children understand not just the mechanics of divorce, but the emotions behind it. I wanted to give children permission to hurt—because they will—but also permission to feel joy and excitement about being with both parents.

The reality is, that’s still their mom and dad, and they should be allowed to love them both fully. They should feel safe and secure in both homes.

I also included a line in the book that says, “Things will be different, but things will be good.” Because different doesn’t mean bad. Good can come out of painful changes—we just have to look for it. That’s true for children and parents alike.

Jennifer Hargrave:
That is such an important life lesson. So often, it’s the unknown that feels scary, but if we shift our focus, we can find the good. Who is this book designed for?

Amy Tyson:
It’s targeted for children ages four to nine, though a younger child who’s used to being read to can absolutely benefit. And while the main character is a girl, the book definitely works for both boys and girls.

As an educator, I see this all the time—boys connect just as much with stories about girls when the message resonates. The princess in the story does things all children do: ride roller coasters, read books, do crafts. It’s not gender specific.

Also, it’s not just for children currently going through a divorce. It can help kids years after the fact, or during a modification of custody or visitation. One dad told me his second-grade daughter reads it every time she transitions between homes. It gives her comfort. That really hit me—it’s about hope, and kids need to see that.

Jennifer Hargrave:
Absolutely. We often worry about the impact of divorce on children, but as we’ve learned from mental health professionals, it’s not divorce itself that harms—it’s the conflict. Your book does a wonderful job of reminding parents that children need permission and encouragement to love both parents. That is such a healing message.

Amy Tyson:
Thank you. I really believe that part of loving your child is helping them love their other parent. You chose to have a child with that person, and that bond is for life. The sooner you can facilitate that relationship, the better it will be for your child.

Jennifer Hargrave:
Exactly. So—do you have any sequels or other books in the works?

Amy Tyson:
Yes! I’ve written several others that are ready to go, but it’s expensive to publish and print. They’re written—I just need to get them illustrated. I also have an adult book in the works, and something to accompany One Princess, Two Castles. I’m just walking in faith that it will all come together in time.

Jennifer Hargrave:
And you’re also very active in the community. I believe you’re leading a class now?

Amy Tyson:
Yes! I’m a woman of faith—and I’m the Christian woman who’s been divorced twice. It happens. I have a huge heart for single parents and their kids.

I go to Fellowship Church Frisco, and I approached them about starting a connect group for single parents. It’s so helpful to have a support system of people who get it. We talk about the journey, the struggles, the faith, the parenting—all of it. I’m leading that class on Sunday mornings.

Jennifer Hargrave:
That’s so powerful. You’ve taken something that wasn’t part of your plan and turned it into something beautiful—a blessing to others.

Amy Tyson:
Thank you. I really believe that even in brokenness, there are blessings. My purpose is to help others look for the good and find happiness in the heartache.

Jennifer Hargrave:
And you’re doing that. Where can people find a copy of your book?

Amy Tyson:
The best place is my website: www.happinessintheheartache.com. I also have a blog and am active on Facebook and Instagram under Happiness in the Heartache.

Jennifer Hargrave:
And for anyone going through a divorce, they should ask their attorney for a copy of your book. We carry it at our firm, and I’m so grateful for the message you’ve created.

We’ll include a link to your site in the show notes, and I encourage everyone to follow Amy, connect with her work, and share her book with families who need it.

Amy, thank you for taking the time to be here today.

Amy Tyson:
Thank you for having me!

Jennifer Hargrave:
And to our listeners—thank you for tuning in. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes. Follow us on social media, and stay connected as we continue to share resources to help families thrive—even through life’s toughest transitions.

Compassionate Dallas Divorce Attorney, Jennifer Hargrave

Dallas Divorce Resources

• Children of Divorce: Attorney Advice for Parents
• How Parents Can Help Their Children After Divorce
• Co-Parenting in High-Conflict Cases
• High-Conflict Co-Parenting: Tools to Lower the Temperature
• Custody Conflicts: Five Child-Focused Challenges
• Joint vs. Sole Custody: Back to School in Two Homes
• Does Divorce Doom Kids? Debunking Stereotypes
• Rebuilding Family After Divorce: Simple Rituals
• Find a Dallas Child Custody Lawyer

Don’t Face This Alone – We’re Here to Help

Hargrave Family Law – Compassionate Dallas Divorce Lawyers

Hargrave Family Law was founded by Dallas divorce lawyer Jennifer Hargrave with a strong mission in mind. Using non-adversarial techniques, our firm advocates for you during this challenging life transition in a way that helps you protect what matters most. Reach out to our team of compassionate Dallas divorce lawyers at Hargrave Family Law for the support you need to navigate divorce and other family law matters. We offer a complimentary case evaluation to start your journey with us. Together, we will work towards safeguarding the happiness and well-being of your family, allowing you to write your next chapter with hope.