Involving Other Agencies
Keeping your child’s school informed about major changes at home can make a real difference to how well they are supported day to day. Start by letting your child’s form teacher or head of year know about the separation. You do not need to share every detail, just enough so they understand any changes in […]
Making Co-Parenting Work
Co-parenting after separation or divorce can feel challenging. However, with the right approach, it is possible to create a stable and supportive environment for your child. The key is to focus on communication, consistency and your child’s wellbeing. Why is co-parenting important for your child? Children benefit from having a positive relationship with both parents. […]
Becoming a Single Parent
Becoming a single parent is a significant life change that can be both challenging and rewarding. Whether it’s due to divorce, separation, or the loss of a partner, the transition can be overwhelming. However, with resilience, support, and self-care, it’s possible to build a fulfilling life for yourself and your children. The emotional impact of becoming […]
Child Maintenance
In the UK, the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) plays a key role in calculating and enforcing child maintenance when parents cannot agree on payments themselves. Understanding how the system works can help you make informed decisions and reduce stress during separation or divorce. How Child Maintenance Is Calculated The CMS calculates child maintenance using the […]
Maintaining Contact
Contact refers to how and when a child spends time with the parent they do not live with. This can include face-to-face time, phone calls, video calls and other forms of communication. Where possible, it is always better to agree arrangements between yourselves. This is usually less stressful for everyone involved, especially your child. If […]
Residency and Parental Responsibility
What is residency (child arrangements) after divorce or separation? Residency, previously known as custody, is now legally referred to as a Child Arrangements Order. This determines where a child lives and how much time they spend with each parent. Even if a child lives primarily with one parent, the other parent will usually still have […]
Telling the Children
For most children, hearing that their parents are separating can feel overwhelming. Therefore, telling the children in the right way matters. If possible, have the conversation together and choose a calm moment. Keep your message simple and clear. Younger children, in particular, need straightforward explanations they can understand. Explain that you will be living in […]
Christmas on a Budget
If you’re used to your partner handling the Christmas shopping and now find yourself needing to buy gifts for friends and family, don’t panic. Here are some tips to make shopping easier, along with gift ideas for children. General Gift Shopping Tips: Gift Ideas for Children and Teens: Budgeting and Final Thoughts: If you’re on […]
Introducing the Kids
If you are a single parent you may be concerned about the effect of dating on your children and whether a new partner will accept them. Introducing a New Partner to your Children
Social activities for parents on a budget
Whether you’re a single parent on a budget or a co-parent managing weekends and school holidays, having the children on your own can feel full-on. It’s rewarding, but it can also be exhausting. The good news is, you don’t need to spend a lot to keep them busy. Some of the best days out are […]
The Pros and Cons of being a Single Parent
While many people picture a two-parent household as the “ideal”, the reality is that families come in many forms. A single parent can raise happy, secure and well-adjusted children just as successfully. What matters most is stability, love and consistency — not how many adults are in the home. That said, single parenting does come […]