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  |  Your Family  |  Divorce and step families  |  Parting company
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Parting company

by Coram Family
continued from page 2
It’s hard, but you need to resolve the adult issues between yourself and your partner
Your children need to be allowed to keep both parents and develop a new kind of relationship with the parent who won’t be living in the family home. Don’t make your children part of the ill feeling between yourself and your partner and don’t make them choose between the two of you. The rest of the family is also important and can be a support. Extended families don’t always draw up battle lines and children shouldn’t have to lose contact with grandparents or cousins.

Story and ‘talk about’ books can be one way to open up a conversation
Some possibilities are:

  • Rosemary Stones’ Children don’t divorce (Happy Cat Paperbacks in the Talking it Through series £3-99) – a story with good illustrations and points at which children could naturally ask a question or comment about their own family situation.
  • Jillian Powell What do we think about – family break-up (Hodder Wayland £4-99) – a simple talk about book with illustrations suitable for five year olds and older.
  • Julia Cole How do I feel about my parents’ divorce (Watts £9-99) – a talk about book for 7-8 year olds and older.
Hopefully, you’ll be able to get support from family and close friends. But sometimes it helps to talk with somebody who isn’t involved in the situation.
  • The organisation Relate offers support for people with problems in relationships. You will find your closest office in your local telephone directory.
  • Parentline Plus offers a free helpline 0808 800 2222 on weekdays 8am to 10pm and weekends 10am to 3pm. You can find information about the organisation on their website www.parentlineplus.org.uk

Want to discuss contact issues, court dates and family problems? Why not chat with other iVillagers on the Residence, Contact & Child Support message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions taking place right now on the board:

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