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