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 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 […]
Separation and divorce are traumatic events for families. My journal is designed to help children express, explore and understand some of the strong emotions that they may be feeling and to help them process the divorce for themselves. Keeping a Journal is a very simple, but powerful way to support children. As caring adults, we […]
I’m hooked on the DCI Jack Logan books by JD Kirk. In ‘Here Lie The Dead’ Detective Sergeant Hamza Khaled is pondering taking an IT job within the police and argues with DC Tyler Neish about why he’s so tempted, ‘I’ve seen it happen to dozens of officers. We both have. Break-ups. Divorces. The job […]
The Stepfamily Cycle I have been working with a lovely family who are finding it hard to adjust to the changes that blending two families together brings. I always remind my clients that bringing together 2 separate families is a process and not an event, and it takes time and flexibility on everyone’s behalf […]
To help you navigate the journey through Divorce I’ve recently launched a new series of free Divorce videos called Divorce Step by Step. The Divorce Step By Step videos have been set up specifically to help you address the range of issues and matters you have to face when going through a divorce. I have […]
Divorce is always difficult for the whole family but if you do find that you are heading for a divorce here are some things to consider if you have a child with additional needs. Things to Consider Divorce is a difficult time for all family members, but especially for your children. A child that has […]
One of the hardest things you will have to do as a divorced parent is to encourage your children to go with your ex when they don’t want to go, particularly as they turn into teens and want to spend more time with their friends. But as a parent I think it’s really important that […]
Putting your children first I’ve been recently working with a couple who are divorcing and we were looking at how to handle the new roles that both these parents now face whilst going through the transition. One area I discussed with them was accepting that their ex has a continued role to play in their […]
Your Parenting Plan This is an example of the sort of basic parenting plan that I help the parents I work with to create, as they go through the transition of divorce. It will help you think through the numerous issues related to co parenting your children from now on – it is designed to […]
I’m delighted to have been invited to write some articles for Dad Info – a wonderful website for Dads and Step Dads. Today here is my article on what the Americans call ‘Blended Families’ but what I like to call ‘Slow Burning Casserole Families’ 🙂 ‘Bringing together two separate families is a process, not an […]
Creating a Parenting Plan Sitting down together with your Ex is never easy – but it is important for the sake of your children. I work with many parents on the nitty gritty, daily practical aspects of creating your unique Parenting Plan, which I can help you create but here are some tried & […]
I was delighted to have been interviewed by Scott Docherty, on how my role as a coach helps families through the challenging time of divorce. This is a series of interviews with CALM Scotland mediators and others connected with mediation. The interviews are hosted by Scott C. Docherty, an accredited lawyer mediator who practises in […]
It is a hugely emotional time when you split up with your partner, and that makes it even harder to make sensible financial decisions. Rather than thinking through options and making a long-term financial plan, people often feel desperate to end the misery of an unhappy relationship as soon as possible. Although this is […]
The law affecting families in England and Wales is changing. The most important element of no fault divorce is, of course, the removal of fault or blame from the divorce process. Under the new laws, couples will be able to get divorced solely on the basis that the marriage has broken down, without needing to cite […]
A Practical Guide
A calm, practical starter guide from Sue Atkins to help you handle smartphones, social media, gaming, sleep and online pressure — without rows or panic.
Download the free scripts and tips here.
