Parenting After Separation
Parenting After Separation
Separation is difficult for families. Their lives are changing. Often, when parents are separating, they are upset and angry. They may argue and say a lot of angry and hurtful things to each other. Their children also feel upset.
For example:Alan and Doreen were married and they had one child. After several years, Doreen became unhappy and dissatisfied with the marriage. She wanted to separate from Alan. Alan was hurt and angry. He didn’t understand why Doreen was unhappy. They had many arguments. Alan didn’t want to separate. Both Alan and Doreen were worried about their daughter. How could they talk to her about their marriage break-up?
Parents Can Get Help
Many communities in BC have programs to help people who are separating. These programs help them to understand why they might be feeling hurt and angry during the marriage break-up.
In these programs, couples get help on how to talk to each other and decide about their separation or divorce. They can also get help on how to talk to their children and to understand how their children are feeling.
In some communities, the law says parents who are separating have to take these programs. Parents who take these courses often decide not to go to court to fight about which parent the children will live with. Instead, they get a mediator to help them agree. You can call Enquiry BC at 250-387-6121 (in Victoria), 604-660-2421 (in Vancouver), or toll-free 1-800-663-7867 (elsewhere in BC) to find out about programs in your community.