How to introduce your children to your new partner needs to be approached in a sensitive manner. Whilst you may be excited about your new partner, remember this is another big adjustment for the children to process and accept after their parents separated/divorced....
It can be difficult to come to terms with your ex having a new family. And, it is important to establish how the kids feel about it. There will be a period of adjustment for everyone involved: Has your ex been considerate about their feelings and got them involved...
One of the most challenging issues separated parents face, is no longer being with their children 24/7. It is natural to miss the children whilst they are not with you and/or to worry about them having a good time with their other parent. So, what should you do when...
Child maintenance is an important issue when a couple separates. The level of payments will also form part of the overall financial settlement. Factors which affect child maintenance include: Child Maintenance Service. If the parents cannot agree the amount of child...
Are you wondering what to include in your parenting plan? A parenting plan is a written document outlining how you and your ex will handle parenting issues and arrangements now that you are separated. Whilst not an exhaustive list, here are some important issues you...
It is important not to rush to tell your children that you are getting a divorce. It is natural as parents for you to worry about having this conversation and I often find parents feel rushed to get the conversation over and done with. It is common for the decision to...
Separated parents will need to work together to create a successful co-parenting arrangement. And the parenting plan will need to include how holidays are to be approached. Separated parents need to consider the following: Agreeing on holiday schedules in advance with...
When going through divorce it is important to ensure your children are coping as well as can be expected. I have had the opportunity to interview Vicki Ivie of The Play Specialist Service who provides emotional and practical support to children and young people...
Divorce affects the whole family and parenting post-divorce can be a challenge. Like you, the children require time and space to process their feelings about the divorce. To help your children come to terms with the big changes to their family, parents need to put...
Now you have separated, you will need to work out how to communicate with your ex about the children. It is important to always remember to put your children first and make all decisions in their best interests. You will need to put aside your personal feelings...
When I provide advice to adult children of divorcing parents, I am talking as a divorce professional as well as from personal experience. Many people presume that it is more difficult for young children when their parents get divorced. But there are challenges...
Telling your children you are getting a divorce, can be upsetting for everyone and often riddled with feelings of guilt. It is important to take the time to prepare how and when you are going to talk to them. Research tells us that it is the parents' approach to the...
There are many myths relating to how arrangements for the children are approached when the parents separate and/or divorce. The law sets out that careful consideration should be given to the particular circumstances of the case and that all decisions relating to the...
Christmas is a very busy time of year, particularly for divorced parents. There is lots to think about to help ensure the children have a lovely time. Here are my top tips for how best to approach the arrangements: Allow plenty of time for discussions You will need to...
The first Christmas since your separation may seem a distant memory concerning the Christmas child arrangements. You may have dragged yourself through it, whilst in the midst of the divorce process, or perhaps still recovering from the shock of the separation. Moving...
There are many benefits for children of having a pet to comfort them, during their parents' divorce. As a huge animal lover, I have always appreciated the value of having pets in my life. I grew up surrounded by animals and our pets were very much part of the family....
In the first week of September, thousands of children around the UK will be returning to (or starting) school after the long summer break. This is filled with all kinds of emotions for both children and parents: nervousness, excitement, and relief. Challenges for...
The school summer holidays are a challenge for even the most successfully run Children Arrangements Schedule. The smooth running routine for the school term is now all out of the window for the next 6-8 weeks. The summer holidays have probably always felt like a...