In 2021, Resolution’s Parenting After Parting committee published Parenting through Separation – Putting your children first.
It is an invaluable resource that provides practical tips, support, information and signposting to parents who are embarking on the separation process or who or already separated.
The guide
The guide encourages parents to focus on the needs of their children and build the necessary skills for effective co-parenting. By doing so, it will lead to outcomes that are not only better for the children, but for the parents too.
The language used in the guide has been carefully considered to be accessible, constructive and reassuring. It aims to reinforce the importance of co-operation and a non-combative approach between parents that focuses on solutions.
The guide has been carefully designed with discrete sections, such as the communication tips for talking to children about separation and common age-related responses from children.
There is a section looking at ways to resolve legal issues, a jargon buster and useful links and resources. There is also an excellent section about the grief process and the importance of self-care as well as a section that identifies the characteristics of an abusive relationship and how to get help.
There has bee fantastic feedback from parents and members of Resolution saying how useful the guide is and how they use it to help parents navigate the difficult stages of separation.
It is also pleasing to hear that some parents have sent a copy of the guide to their co-parent (with a carefully worded email).