“It is important to work out how you are going to share information with your children and the other parent.”

Sheridan Ball

One of the main causes of dispute between parents centres on communication or rather lack of it - that is communication with children and communication between parents. Often disputes arise and become disproportionate as communication has broken down.

Sheridan Ball, a Consultant in our Family team says “it is important to work out how you are going to share information with your children and the other parent. You might want to create some rules at the beginning to help you do this effectively and reduce misunderstanding and conflict.”

The first conversation you have with children following a separation can be very hard and one parents often put off. But there are ways it which parents can do it well.

Here’s an extract of advice contained within the Parenting through Separation guide we are supporting this week

• If your situation allows, try to have a joint conversation when all of your children are present. Keep this age appropriate.
• Plan a series of conversations, including different follow up conversations, if your children are different ages. Be mindful that their reactions will depend on their age, developmental stage and their individual personality.
• Reassure your children that it is okay to feel sad or scared and showing emotion is good. They can always talk to either of you and ask questions.
• Remember you are a role model and your children are watching how you manage this situation. If they see that you are still their parents, making decisions together about them, then they will cope better.

This article is for general guidance only. It provides useful information in a concise form. Action should not be taken without obtaining specific legal advice.