No Matter What: Me and My Family

Even under the best of circumstances, parenting can be challenging. When parents separate or divorce, disagreements over parenting issues can be even more difficult to resolve. Information about the law and parental rights and obligations can help reduce parental conflict. Understanding the importance of a child’s continued relationship with both parents and learning to be aware of children’s experiences through the process of separation and divorce can also help.

Equally important is for parents themselves to find ways to deal with their own reactions and emotions surrounding the separation or divorce in order to allow them to focus on the best interests of the child and give them what they need to succeed.

Even if conflict remains, there are options to consider that may lessen or resolve parental conflict. Parenting before, during and after separation or divorce takes time, effort and commitment. Fortunately, there are laws, community resources and government programs and services to provide guidance and support.

So, Let’s Re-Cap…
Throughout this resource there are several recurring and overlapping themes. It may be useful to re-word them into a list that captures the highlights and helps to convey the main messages.

• Reinforce that you are still a family, no matter what.
• Rights and responsibilities go hand-in-hand.
• Respond to your child’s needs and be receptive to their ideas.
• Realize that different parenting styles are not necessarily bad.
• Respect the relationship your child has with both parents.
• Reduce conflict and focus on the best interest of the child.
• Refrain from making negative comments about your child’s other parent.
• Recognize the signs that let you know how your child is adjusting.
• Re-invent your relationship as parents, not spouses.
• Reassure your child with an open and loving environment.
• Remember that there are educational resources, community support and legal remedies to deal with issues of separation and divorce.

You may want to have your child identify the key messages that they take away from the resource and have them re-frame them in language more meaningful to them.