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Parental conflict resources for parents who are separated or considering separation

There is a lot to consider when thinking about separation. Most important is how the new arrangements will affect your children.

There are things you can do that will help you feel stronger and ready to deal with disagreements and arguments - see Top tips to help you stay calm during disagreements or arguments |  Ealing Directory (ealingfamiliesdirectory.org.uk)

Parenting Together

If you are thinking about separation, you are likely to be feeling strong emotions and it may be hard to not be swayed by these. A good place to start thinking about this is the Parenting Together webpages: Parenting together - Cafcass - Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service It gives you the chance to think through the practical arrangements you will need to make and will help you stay focused on making decisions in the best interests of your children.

The Parenting Together website: Parenting together - Cafcass - Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service has different online tools to help you during and after your separation and in making arrangements for your children. Their parenting plan, which both parents can use, and advice about mediation options are designed to help separating parents come to agreements without needing to use the court system. It also has advice on how to reassure your children, who are likely to be feeling upset and anxious, and take some time to really listen to them about what they need.

It is almost always in a child's best interest to maintain contact with both parents. It is important that you do not seek to punish your ex-partner by denying them contact with their children, unless of course there are concerns that the children would not be safe.

Separated Parents Information Programme

The Separated Parents Information Programme (SPIP) is a course which helps you understand how to put your children first while you are separating, even though you may be in dispute with your child's other parent. The course helps parents learn the fundamental principles of how to manage conflict and difficulties.

Safety concerns

If you are concerned that your children are not safe with your ex-partner or other family member, it is your responsibility to take protective action. This may include:

  • stopping your children from seeing your ex-partner, or other family members, where there is a risk to your child's safety
  • asking somebody neutral to help with handovers
  • asking for handovers to take place away from the home address
  • asking for communication to be kept to arrangements for your children
  • limiting communicating to text messages

When to contact Children's Services

If at any time you are concerned about the safety and welfare of either a child within your family or any other child or young person – please contact the Ealing Children’s Integrated Response Service on 020 8825 8000 or email ECIRS@ealing.gov.uk

For advice and support: When family difficulties and problems come up, SAFE - (Supportive Action for Families in Ealing) can help you access the appropriate services and support: Supportive Action for Families in Ealing (SAFE) |  Ealing Directory (ealingfamiliesdirectory.org.uk)

Find information on childcare and early years education and other support services for children, young people and families visit: www.ealingfamiliesdirectory.org.uk 

For information on services and support for children and young people aged 0-25yrs who have special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), visit: www.ealinglocaloffer.org.uk 

Courses

OnePlusOne Tools for Families

OnePlusOne has over 50 years’ experience in creating evidence-based resources to support the development of healthy relationships.  They offer accessible online resources help parents to understand the impact of their arguments on their children, and learn techniques to communicate better, handle stress, and manage conflict more constructively.

Ealing have free access for families to three evidence-based digital courses:

Please see the linked flyers for more information about each module, and to decide which module is best for you.  To access the modules you can click on the following link and register for free: 

Please register and sign into the courses at OnePlusOne Courses

Ealing Parenting Service Programmes

The Ealing Parenting Service run regular workshops that offer practical tips to support parents in conflict.  Please click here for more information:

Parenting Programmes in Ealing |  Ealing Directory (ealingfamiliesdirectory.org.uk)

 

Helpful websites

Helpful websites 

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