“I hope Our Dance brings comfort and reassurance to children navigating family changes.
The following guidance is here to help you share the book with children, to open up gentle, age-appropriate conversations around separation and child contact."
– Circle Yuen, author and illustrator of Our Dance
When families live apart…
Explaining family separation to a child is never easy. Our Dance: Living Apart, Time Together is a tender and empowering picture book that helps children understand that love can remain constant, even when families change.
This story follows a child who spends time with each parent separately. Through rhythm, routine, and moments of joy, the child learns to navigate a new family structure with confidence. The book introduces the idea of child contact centres, a space where parents and children can reconnect safely and meaningfully.
Our Dance is written and illustrated by Circle Yuen, and is published by Graffeg, in partnership with the National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC). The book was inspired by Circle’s personal journey and lived experience of family restructuring and co-parenting.
Talking to children about family separation
Just like adults, children may feel a complex mix of emotions when their family changes. Whether the separation is recent or happened some time ago, stories can help children process what’s happening and remind them they are not alone.
Children sometimes believe that family separation is something they caused—because of something they said or did. Our Dance provides language to gently clarify that this is not true. It reinforces the message that they are loved, safe, and not to blame.
Picture books are a powerful tool for starting difficult conversations. They allow space for questions, reassurance, and empathy—without putting pressure on a child to speak before they’re ready. Below are some thoughts on how to use Our Dance to support your child, depending on their age and understanding.
OUR DANCE
Free to Download Pack
Support children through change with our free Our Dance activity pack.
Featuring thoughtful writing prompts, drawing activities, a printable greeting card and full-colour A4 poster, this gentle resource helps children express love, connection, and courage—no matter where they are.
Best suited for use with Primary School classes, and adaptable within grade levels.
If your child is aged 3–7
Children in this age group may begin to understand the concept of two homes or changes in family routines, but they might blame themselves or struggle to express their feelings.
Our Dance reassures them that it’s okay to feel sad or confused—and that both parents love them deeply.The book reflects everyday activities like dancing—rituals that provide stability. There’s also room for your family’s own beliefs and experiences to be added to the story.
If your child is 8+
Older children may understand the cause and consequence of separation more clearly, but this can bring up new worries—about fairness, belonging, or the future. They may also avoid sharing these feelings to protect others.
Reading Our Dance together can be a subtle but affirming way to start a conversation. You might pause at key moments in the book to ask: “What do you think they’re feeling here?” or “Has something like this happened for you?”
If your child doesn’t want to read this book right now
That’s okay. Every child processes change in their own time. You may want to leave the book somewhere they can find it later, or ask another trusted adult to read it with them. Your presence, reassurance, and openness to talk are just as important as the book itself.
Let it take time
Family changes take time to understand. You may return to this story again and again, using it as a bridge for new conversations as your child’s needs evolve.
Let Our Dance grow with your family.
Buy the Book
Our Dance: Living Apart, Time Together
Written and illustrated by Circle Yuen
Published by Graffeg
In partnership with the National Association of Child Contact Centres (NACCC)
Publication Date: June 3, 2025
Buy now from Graffeg
(Also available from Waterstones, Foyles, independent booksellers and bookshops)
