One of the many challenges facing couples when they separate is how to co-parent their children. All too frequently the issues that have brought about the end of the marriage manifest themselves again in squabbles over the children. How often do we hear parents accusing each other of using the children as pawns?
Given that the break up of a relationship is one of the most stressful experiences people can have it is perhaps not surprising that people do not function to their highest capacity during the experience. And yet we expect those same people to function at their highest capacity when it comes to parenting. Perhaps it is unrealistic to expect them to do so without help.
Just as expectant mothers attend National Childbirth Trust (or similar) courses helping them prepare for giving birth, so there are courses being run for separating parents helping them prepare for their lives as separated parents, putting their children at the focal point of their discussions. The courses are practical and give participants the chance to discuss issues and concerns with, and learn from, other people in the same predicament.
The courses are run under the umbrella of Resolution, the national association of family law professionals. Details of the courses can be found at http://www.resolution.org.uk/editorial.asp?page_id=185 along with other useful resources for separating parents and their children.
These “Parenting after Parting” courses are held regularly at the offices of Family Law in Partnership LLP in Covent Garden and presented by our in house family consultants Dominic Raeside and Ruth Smallacombe. The next course is being run over two nights on 30th June and 7th July 2011. For an application form please contact info@flip.co.uk or ring 020 7420 5000.
Tags: children, divorce, family law, parenting, separation