Free parenting guide launched for separating families
Jones Myers is offering a free parenting guide to help families who are divorcing or separating to put their children’s interests first.
The Parenting Through Separation Guide written by family professionals has been spearheaded by national family justice organisation Resolution which promotes dealing with relationship breakdowns in a constructive manner.
The guide, which is being launched during Good Divorce Week (November 29th – December 3rd) contains a wealth of insights and advice on how parents can find a better way forward for them and their children.
Jones Myers Partner Kate Banerjee, who heads the Children’s Department, said: “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.
“Jones Myers consistently champions the importance of putting children’s best interest at the heart of relationship breakdown and it’s vital that parents have to good, authoritative and professional advice that helps them to parent responsibly through their separation.”
Advice in the guide includes co-parenting with a former partner, common disputes that arise between separating parents, and how to talk to children about the painful topic of divorce or separation.
Juliet Harvey, national chair of Resolution, added: “I’m really pleased to have Jones Myers support during Good Divorce Week Resolution members like their family lawyers 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.”
The guide’s tips for discussing divorce with children include the following:
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.
For a free copy of the Parenting Through Separation guide contact the Children’s Department on 0113 246 0055.
For queries on children law, divorce or family law related issues, call Jones Myers at Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce For more information on Resolution visit @ResFamilyLaw and www.resolution.org.uk