Children's guide to surviving a family break up

‘Hey! We’re part of it too!’ was written by Teresa Payne, managing partner of Parfitt Creswell, trading as Colemans Solicitors in Haywards Heath. Teresa told the Middy that a parental divorce can have a huge emotional impact on children. Not only do they have to watch the two most important people in their lives turn against each other, they also have to come to terms with new living arrangements and routines, all at a time when their parents may well be too distracted to give them the right support. “We’ve seen what happens with couples when they separate; the effect it has on them, and that filters down to the children,” said Teresa “I decided to write the booklet to help children understand what happens if mum and dad split up.” She said the booklet also helps to remind parents that their children are going through emotional turmoil. “They need to tell the children that they are still loved, and it’s not the child’s fault. Although they’re still loved and cared for, the parents sometimes are so busy that they forget,” she explained. “They’re watching the two giants of their world collide and fight, and that can be so detrimental to them. “It can affect their personal development, their confidence, their achievement at school. “As a law firm we’re about helping people make informed decisions about their future. “We’re very passionate about promoting civilised divorce, we always encourage people to look at alternative dispute resolutions, such as negotiations or collaborative law. “You may end the relationship in the sense that you’re no longer living together, but you have to form a new relationship with your ex-spouse, because of the children.” As well as parents going through divorce, the booklet had attracted interest from concerned grandparents, and from schools. The booklet is available free on request at Colemans Solicitors in Paddockhall Road, Haywards Heath. Drop in or call Paul Harvey on 01444 459555, or visit http://www.colemans-solicitors.com/ Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage at www.midsussextimes.co.uk 2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/midsussextimes 3) Follow us on Twitter @midsussex_times 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! The Mid Sussex Times - always the first with your local news. Be part of it.