The start of the Autumn term brings excitement, friendships and new interests for children and young people, and sometimes a little apprehension too. Parents are busy, busy, busy, getting the school routine up and running again. A new nursery or school means adjustment and change for everyone.
On top of everything else, these changes can put cracks in shared care arrangements that had been working well. Everyone, including the children, is a bit tired. It might be that school clubs fall on different days, or that homework has suddenly appeared, or that the new school is further away. Small things like these can feed a breakdown in communication, short tempers and old wounds resurfacing. For children, rising tension between parents is one more thing to cope with while they adjust to everything else.
Separated co-parents often turn to a trusted person in their family or friendship circle to “have a word”, and it can make a world of difference. Sometimes all it takes is for everyone to take a breath, step back and try again.
Not everyone has someone like that to turn to, though. Family and friends can sometimes add to the pressure rather than ease it. Applying to court to “settle things once and for all” can start to feel like the best, or only, option.
This is where family mediation can really help. An impartial, regulated family mediator offers an alternative to court, or can work alongside a court application (saving time and money). We help parents talk to each other in a safe and confidential space, and turn mountains back into molehills.
Book a free 15 minute conversation with Antworks Family Mediation to find out more. Small things really can make a big difference.
Ready to find out more?
We are confident that family mediation can be a safe, successful, lasting, and cost-effective alternative to a court-only process.
or call us on 01706 813 280 for an informal, no-pressure conversation about what mediation could do for you.
Antworks Family Mediation, serving Todmorden, the Calder Valley, East Lancashire, West Yorkshire, and online.