International perspectives on post-separation parenting
Children do better when they can have a positive relationship with both their parents, whether they live together or apart. This was the clear message from both speakers at our International Perspectives on Post Separation Parenting Event in Edinburgh on 30th November. The challenging question for all of us at the event who work in this area is, how do we best support families to make this happen? Malin Bergstrom, a child psychologist and researcher from Sweden, presented her findings on the benefits for children of both parents being substantially involved in the care of their children, and the need for social support systems and structures to be designed to enable this to happen. Bill Hewlett, an experienced Family Dispute Resolution practitioner and trainer from Australia, highlighted the need for skilled work with parents in high conflict to enable them to work together and focus on their children’s needs. The impact of Family Relationship Centres in Australia was a significant reduction in court applications for child related issues. The presentations from both speakers can be read here and here. The event was recorded and we hope to be able to make this available on our website in due course.