The Online Essential Divorce Course Jan. 2014 Vol. 1, 2014 | Page 7

HAVEAPOSITIVEDIVORCE.
WITH JANET MURRAY

Children and Co-Parenting
How you handle your divorce in front of
your children will have a profound effect
on them, their feelings and well-being. It
may also shape their views of relationships in the future. Children rarely want
their parents to split up or divorce (no
matter what they might say) and it can be
really challenging working out how best
to deal with their emotions when your
own are confused and upset.
For that reason you should think and plan positively how you are going to
handle the effect of your divorce on them and commit to behaving in the
best possible way towards your ex partner in all matters relating to your
children.
The degree of fighting and hostility between ex-partners is said to be one
of the most influential factors in terms of how successfully a child adjusts
to the changes of divorce and whether any behavioural problems arise as
a result. That is why telling your children what’s happening should be dealt
with sensitively and carefully. They will need a lot of reassurance at this
time and you have to be sure that they do not turn into surrogate partners. They are not ‘your’ support network and it’s important that you find
your support elsewhere.
This session will guide you to be the best parent you can
be through this major transition in your children’s lives,
whatever their ages. We will look at how to develop a
co-parenting plan to minimise the negative impact of
your separation or divorce on your children. These practical steps will give your family some much needed stability during this difficult transitional time.

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