New Year, new divorce? Some tips on how to put children first during a separation
Written by Emily Hugo, Family Law Solicitor.
With the Festive period officially over, many use the opportunity to reflect on the year that’s passed and evaluate their circumstances. With the New Year in full swing, we have the opportunity to consider fresh starts and new beginnings. Typically, our family law team sees a spike in divorce enquiries at this time of year.
Divorce, unhappy marriages and civil partnerships can take its toll on children. Resolution, an organisation which encourages a non-confrontational approach to divorce and separation have recently published a guide. The guide helps separating parents put their children first, encouraging them to see things from a child’s perspective.
is an invaluable guide for parents, providing an insight into the emotions a child experiences when their parents separate. It helps parents to understand their reactions and behaviour, and provides practical suggestions for supporting them. The guide’s broken down by age categories, from babies to young adults, so it’s incredibly useful tool for all parents.
It includes ideas about how to manage sensitive conversations with children, facilitating conflict-free handovers, and how to help children adapt to their new lives. The guide reminds parents to take time to look after themselves, and to build their own support network. By looking after themselves, parents will be better equipped to be there for their children.
The guide also provides clear, jargon-free information about legal issues, and the various options available for resolving disputes. It really is essential reading for parents, as well as friends and family members who want to support children experiencing family separation.
This short video, 5 Great Ways to Put Children First also provides some good tips on how to help children through a very difficult time in their lives, and is well worth a watch.
Our Family Law Team are here to help.
