The Parenting Through Separation Guide, written by family professionals, offers advice to parents going through divorce and separation.

Chris Brown from Hegarty Solicitors said: 

“We know that the pandemic has put huge pressure on families and even more so on those who are separating. Every parent wants to put their children’s interests front and centre, but all too often they don’t know where to turn for help and aren’t given the support they need in order to do this. We hope all local separating parents will use the Parenting Through Separation Guide, to help them find a better way forward for them, and for their children.”

The free guide is available to any parent seeking help during their separation. It contains advice about how to co-parent with a former partner, background on the common disputes that arise between separating parents, and how to talk to children about the painful topic of divorce or separation, plus much more.

Juliet Harvey, national chair of Resolution, said:

“I’m really pleased to have Chris’s support with this. Resolution members like him do really important work in their community to help families separate in a constructive and amicable way. The more families who know about and use the free Parenting Through Separation Guide, the better equipped they will be to navigate the challenges divorce and separation brings, particularly when it comes to putting children first.”

Here’s an extract of advice contained within the guide:

Top tips for discussing divorce with your children

• If your situation allows, try to have a joint conversation when all of your children are present. Keep this age appropriate.

• Plan a series of conversations, including different follow up conversations, if your children are different ages. Be mindful that their reactions will depend on their age, developmental stage, and their individual personality.

• Reassure your children that it is okay to feel sad or scared and showing emotion is good. They can always talk to either of you and ask questions.

• Remember you are a role model, and your children are watching how you manage this situation. If they see that you are still their parents, making decisions together about them, then they will cope better.

Download the full guide here: Parenting-through-separation-guide.pdf (resolution.org.uk)

For further support and advice for parents going through divorce visit www.hegarty.co.uk/family.