Parenting after family separation can be a lonely and difficult job. Not only do you have to deal with all the practical issues that present themselves to you, but you will also have to come to terms with the emotional impact on both yourself and your children.

Increasingly, both parents are working to stay involved in their children’s lives after separation and the evidence shows that, if this is handled well, the benefits for children are enormous and long-lasting. However, we also know that, if it is handled badly, the effects on children can be extremely damaging.

The Centre for Separated Families exists to help parents, grandparents and other significant adults to find ways of building co-operative post-separation parenting relationships that put the needs of children first.

We firmly believe that children living in separated family situations want and need close and loving contact with mothers and fathers and that, where possible, sharing this on a regular basis is beneficial to children. We do not, however, believe that children’s time should be divided in two like possessions when a relationship ends.

We believe that both mothers and fathers should continue to be involved in caring and providing for their children after separation but that this should be arranged around the needs of children rather than the ‘rights’ of parents.

Whether you are a mother or a father, the parent with the majority day-to-day care for your children or not, a concerned grandparent or a supportive friend, the Centre for Separated Families exists to help you to continue providing children with a safe and loving environment in which to live and grow.

The information on this site is continually updated and we very much welcome suggestions about ways to improve and build on the advice and information given.