Despite divorce being on the increase around the world, parents often feel at a loss when searching for practical support. They also feel overwhelmed, confused, afraid, resentful, or completely frozen in panic about how to handle the changes in their family’s way of life. Sometimes this fear manifests itself as animosity, which turns the whole […]
Dear Sue I’m worried about Christmas as I’m recently divorced. My kids are still reeling from the changes. What is your advice? Liz Jackson, New Addington, Surrey Most parents worry about this – so you’re not alone The question most co-parent’s worry about is ‘Will I be able to see my children over the […]
Here are some ideas and strategies to help navigate co-parenting during the holiday season: 1. Create a Clear Plan Early Discuss in Advance: Collaboratively plan how Christmas and surrounding holidays will be shared to avoid last-minute conflicts. Alternate Holidays: Consider alternating Christmas Day each year or splitting the holiday break. Share the Day: If […]
Dear Sue I separated from my partner at the beginning of this year. We were together for 10 years and have two children aged 8 and 6. My real problem is the fact that my partner and I were originally family friends and our families are really close. We normally get together over Christmas […]
Christmas is a catalyst. I often find that I get many clients coming to see me after Christmas about how to separate after spending more time together at Christmas. Christmas acts as a catalyst for change and the New Year offers a new beginning for many. My article Handling Divorce Positively taken from my “Raising […]
Check out my new podcast ‘Navigating the Digital Jungle with Sue Atkins and Friends’ www.navigatingthedigitaljungle.com It’s not easy – but I think it’s important! You weren’t on the same page before you got divorced so it’s even harder now you are trying to navigate co-parenting in the digital era where technology permeates every aspect […]
This week will be all about Valentine’s Day and can be a time of great romance or great pain. Many people put their children first and of course while this is necessary and honourable is it at the expense of your own relationship? I remember a great friend of my Mum and Dad’s Nuala […]
I have a client who is going through a divorce and is feeling maudlin about Valentine’s Day. ‘Valentine’s Day is hard enough’ she said ‘when you’re couple & married’ (talk about pressure!) — ‘but when you’re going through a divorce it’s going to be hell!’ So I’ve been pondering how to have fun on […]
This week I’ve been writing the module for Nannies for my ‘Navigating Family Transitions: A CPD Course for Professionals Supporting Children, Parents & Families through Divorce, Separation, or Family Breakup’ Course. Supporting families through divorce can be challenging but rewarding for nannies as they play a really important role in supporting children through the process […]
I was delighted to have been invited to the House of Commons recently to the launch of the Parents Promise a new HR initiative to support parents going through divorce or separation. Businesses including Asda, Tesco, Metro Bank, PwC and Unilever have partnered with the Positive Parenting Alliance (PPA) to promote more family-friendly policies for […]
Your confidence can take a big hit after a divorce or separation as I remember first hand, and building self-confidence after a divorce or separation can be challenging, but it’s certainly possible – it just takes time to recover from such a major life change. It can take up to 18months to 2 years to […]
Positive co-parenting is essential for the well-being of your children after a separation or divorce. It’s not always easy but it is important so here are some ideas to help. Here are some tips to help you co-parent effectively and create a positive environment for your children: Put Your Child’s Needs First: Remember that your […]
I’m writing a Continued Professional Development Course (CPD) supporting parents, children & families, and the people who work with them around divorce. Supporting pupils who are going through a divorce requires a thoughtful and sensitive approach. Here are some tips and advice for teachers to navigate this situation: Open Communication: Maintain an open line of […]
I always remind my clients that going through a Divorce is a process NOT an event and I firmly believe that it is similar to the grieving process described by the eminent American Psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross in her 1969 book, On Death and Dying, that was inspired by her work with terminally ill patients. […]
I was speaking on BBC radio about a new piece of research around mental health and stepfamilies. What struck me as unhelpful & laden with negativity is the word ‘BROKEN’ to describe parents who are divorced, separated or apart. Broken implies a failure, broken implies damaged, no longer able to work, something destroyed & dysfunctional but […]
