Children's guide to surviving a family break up

A law firm has produced a booklet to help children cope with the trauma of their parents getting divorced.

‘Hey! We’re part of it too!’ was written by Teresa Payne, managing partner of Parfitt Creswell, trading as Colemans Solicitors in Haywards Heath.

Teresa told the Middy that a parental divorce can have a huge emotional impact on children.

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Not only do they have to watch the two most important people in their lives turn against each other, they also have to come to terms with new living arrangements and routines, all at a time when their parents may well be too distracted to give them the right support.

Courtesy of Parfitt Cresswell.Courtesy of Parfitt Cresswell.
Courtesy of Parfitt Cresswell.

“We’ve seen what happens with couples when they separate; the effect it has on them, and that filters down to the children,” said Teresa

“I decided to write the booklet to help children understand what happens if mum and dad split up.”

She said the booklet also helps to remind parents that their children are going through emotional turmoil.

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“They need to tell the children that they are still loved, and it’s not the child’s fault. Although they’re still loved and cared for, the parents sometimes are so busy that they forget,” she explained.

Courtesy of Parfitt Cresswell.Courtesy of Parfitt Cresswell.
Courtesy of Parfitt Cresswell.

“They’re watching the two giants of their world collide and fight, and that can be so detrimental to them.

“It can affect their personal development, their confidence, their achievement at school.

“As a law firm we’re about helping people make informed decisions about their future.

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“We’re very passionate about promoting civilised divorce, we always encourage people to look at alternative dispute resolutions, such as negotiations or collaborative law.

“You may end the relationship in the sense that you’re no longer living together, but you have to form a new relationship with your ex-spouse, because of the children.”

As well as parents going through divorce, the booklet had attracted interest from concerned grandparents, and from schools.

The booklet is available free on request at Colemans Solicitors in Paddockhall Road, Haywards Heath. Drop in or call Paul Harvey on 01444 459555, or visit http://www.colemans-solicitors.com/

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