The Parent’s Pocket Guide is a 16 page, handy-sized, booklet for parents who live apart, with clear and simple messages from children backed-up by research findings over recent years from both the United States and the United Kingdom. A full list of research references is listed on the Kent FMS website.
Divorce and parental separation can have an adverse effect on children’s adjustment and future life chances. This need not be the case if parents consider the messages from children that is contained within this Guide. The Parent’s Pocket Guide is currently available free for South Lanarkshire residents, simply contact us to order a copy. If you are based in England please contact Kent Family Mediation Service or if you are based in Scotland, outwith South Lanarkshire, please contact Family Mediation Scotland.
Thanks to Kent FMS who kindly allowed us to reproduce some of the childrens’ messages from the Pocket Guide (below).
Try not to argue in front of us
but
tell us what is happening
and
keep talking about things that affect us.
We need to be close to both of you
This means
We like doing ordinary things with both of you -
eating, playing, going to bed and getting up,
going to school, watching TV…
We are mostly sad or angry that you
can’t live together anymore.
But
we can cope and get on with our lives,
so long as you do too.
If you don’t, we can’t.