Helping your children cope with your separation
It is important to explain to your children that you and the other parent
will be living in separate homes. It is also important to reassure your
children that they will still have contact with both parents even though
the two of you are living in separate homes.
Put off a difficult discussion until later and try to avoid arguing with
the other parent in front of the children when you are around your children.
Show your children you respect their other parent and avoid putting them
in the middle by using them as messengers or spies between the two parents.
Support the time that they spend with each of you. Having your children
talk with other children with a similar situation, or talking with a counselor
may be helpful.
For those families parenting together after separation
Give your children the predictable and stable routine they need.
Be consistent with the other parent and arrange for each parent to spend
quality time with your children.
Information to make good decisions about what your children need at each
age is needed.
Find a way to parent well together as well as separately.
Find ways to take care of yourself and feel good about yourself and how
to understand your confusing feelings.
Set goals and stay calm during difficult situations.
Children benefit when their parents:
Avoid conflict, any physical violence or emotional abuse.
Handle rules and discipline in similar ways to one another.
Support appropriate and safe contact with grandparents/other extended
family so children do not feel a sense of loss.
Are flexible so the children can take advantage of opportunities to participate
in special family celebrations or events.