| You want to be able to continue having a | | | | Separation often means that you have to |
| great relationship with your kids after | | | | parent one-to-one for the first time and this |
| separation or divorce. This means focusing on | | | | can be a challenge. At the same time, it is a |
| the kids rather than your ex-partner. You | | | | new chance to get to know your child as a |
| need to be parents rather than partners. | | | | person and show them they are important to |
| | | | you. Kids have their own ways of doing |
| Breaking up is difficult enough without | | | | things. Let them know you love them for who |
| losing touch with your kids...you are feeling | | | | they are. |
| the loss of that everyday contact and you | | | | |
| believe your children miss you too. You may | | | | Plan what you are going to do with your |
| not always be sure of the best way to be | | | | children. Outings don't have to cost a lot of |
| involved with your children. Remember - you | | | | money but they just need to be enjoyable for |
| are important to your children so make | | | | the kids and yourself. The kids will enjoy |
| contact and hang in there for them. | | | | just spending time with you and knowing you |
| | | | are still an important element of their life. |
| Even if you live a long way from your | | | | |
| children, you are still their parent. No | | | | Phone calls can't replace being with your |
| matter who your children live with, they need | | | | children but they are a great way of staying |
| and deserve to know that they are loved and | | | | in touch. Whatever happens, you are making |
| wanted by both of their parents. | | | | contact and kids realize that you care. |
| | | | |
| Children can be frightened by the strong | | | | Think about what you are going to say before |
| emotions that often come from parental | | | | you pick up the phone. The more you talk with |
| breakups. You may have to work to regain | | | | your children, the more things will flow and |
| their trust. Your children need to feel safe | | | | you will discover how special they are. |
| with you and this can take time. | | | | |
| | | | Anne Wolski has worked within the health and |
| Studies support the importance of children | | | | welfare industry for more than 30 years. Go |
| generally having both parents in their lives. | | | | to to see many wonderful health articles, |
| This helps their self-esteem, wellbeing and | | | | many of them written by doctors and others |
| their success in life as they get the benefit | | | | who have been involved in the health industry |
| of both parents' strengths and experience. | | | | for many years. |
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