How do we tell the children we are separating? - FLiP 28

In this podcast Elizabeth Fletcher, a Family Solicitor and Director at Family Law in Partnership, is joined by Couples Therapist and Divorce Consultant Jo Harrison to discuss a question they are often asked – How do we tell the children we are separating?

Referencing a blog written by Jo, which highlights the ideal situation of parents communicating together, they consider a range of scenarios and topics that lead on from this, including:

· Planning the conversation together

· Agreeing an age-appropriate narrative that is helpful for children

· Preparing for questions children might ask

· Helping children answer questions about the separation

· The role of other adults and caregivers such as family members and teachers

· The danger of replaying negative parental dynamics

· Safety issues and circumstance in which you wouldn’t want to have this conversation jointly

· What happens when one parent wants to introduce a new partner

· Evolution of the conversation over time and the opportunity to try again.

The materials referenced in the podcast can be found here:

· FLiP Blog - How to Tell Children You Are Separating: www.flip.co.uk/how-to-tell-children/

· Resolution guide - Parenting Through Separation: https://resolution.org.uk/publications-books/parenting-through-separation-guide-single-copy/

About the speakers:

Jo Harrison

Jo is an experienced therapist working with individuals and couples who are separating. A former family lawyer, Jo has a depth of experience that benefits individuals and couples as she supports them through the separation and divorce process. Jo is the author of the book ‘Five Arguments All Couples (Need To) Have And Why The Washing Up Matters’, and is regularly quoted in the press. She has made appearances on ITV’s This Morning (the Relationship Clinic) and Marina Fogle’s The Parent Hood.

Elizabeth Fletcher

A highly regarded family solicitor and mediator, Elizabeth advises parents on how to manage the arrangements for their children and finances following the breakdown of their marriage, relationship or civil partnership. She has particular experience navigating complicated private law children arrangements, including those with an international element.

#divorce #separation #children #familylaw #childarrangements