Separation Options with Kim Crewe

My husband took shared parental leave – for far too many fathers, it’s still an impossibility | Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett Sharing our baby’s care has given my partner the time to bond with our son. Why is this a privilege, not a right? says Guardian columnist Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett

Is your child anxious? Does your child say 'I hate you?' Are you worried about the transition into secondary school? Does your child think they need to be perfect?

The charity Place2Be have launched a new service for parents. Parenting Smart is a site that is packed with practical advice and tried-and-tested tips for and of primary age .

https://parentingsmart.place2be.org.uk

This is excellent news!

Wednesday's Quote

"How does the complex issue of maintenance work?' is a common challenge put to us, and in this blog Family Law Partners Director Lisa Burton-Durham provides an insight into a topic so contentious it often makes headlines: http://ow.ly/ToMt50EEkOL

"The way someone else perceives what you do is a result of their own experiences (which you can’t control), their own preferences (which you can’t predict), and their own expectations (which you don’t set).

If your choices don’t match their expectations that is their concern, not yours."

James Clear

Are you co-parenting under the same roof?

Here are some tips that may help

Create a routine – Kids thrive on routine and structure is especially important now. That means time to play, to virtually socialise, exercise and home school.

One parent in charge – only one of you can be in charge at any given time. Learn to divide whose parenting time it is and stay out of the way or don’t get involved when its not your turn. This is good training for when you are separated parents physically as well as emotionally.

Set ground rules – you may have different rules in different houses once you separate physically but for now you need one set and you need to agree the rules together. Bedtimes, wake times, screen times, routines, etc

Manage your own mental health – managing your own frustrations at this time is key. Stay connected to friends and family and keep talking. Apps that encourage meditation are great and can help reduce frustration and anxiety.

This podcast is worth listening to, Paulette describes her experience of the divorce process.

The Smart Divorce Podcast - Bonus Episode: Real Divore Stories - Paulette Tamsin speaks to Paulette, who has come through divorce recently and wants to share her experiences. She talks about the importance of self care and of using the right professionals. She also speaks of her experiences of working with Tamsin and the benefits she found. Paulette - Independent social w...