ABSTRACT
This chapter will help couples who have children consider the impact on them if they choose to separate and provides the information they need to support their children. Based on the Relate Guide, Help your Children Cope with Your Divorce, it talks through the most common reactions by age group, including behavioural and relationship problems and struggling at school. Evidence shows that it is the conflict surrounding divorce and the quality of contact with both parents that makes the most significant difference, not the actual event of divorce itself, and hence practical advice is provided to avoid conflict and ensure regular contact with both parents. Areas covered include breaking the news, establishing living and contact arrangements, managing people’s feelings and co-parenting communication.
