When your parents separate sometimes you might feel like….

• No-one talks to you or tells you what you want to know;
• No-one listens to you;
• Sometimes you don’t see both parents enough;
• No-one answers your questions;
• Everything seems to change;
• Parents are sometimes upset;
• No-one is interested in how the changes affect you and your life and activities.

If your parents have been coming to mediation to help them discuss and sort out arrangements related to their separation or divorce it may well be possible for us to also meet with you. You would be able to talk with us about what your thoughts are and what you would like your parents to consider when they are discussing arrangements with us.

Perhaps you would like to see a mediator to talk about how you see things?

• A meeting can be arranged for you;
• Ask your Mum and Dad about it;
• The meeting will only happen if you want it to;
• Sometimes you just want to talk – it is your chance to talk in confidence about what you think;
• Sometimes you want your parents to know what you think – sometimes you don’t;
• You don’t have to say anything if you don’t want to;
• You decide with the Mediator what you want feedback to your parents, if anything;
• Your parents will still make the decisions.

If you would like to see the Mediator who is helping your parents to agree arrangements which will affect you, please let your parents know and they can talk to us to arrange it.

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Useful websites

Family Mediation Council - Mediation information 
Mediation Is Not Only for Adults! - Family Mediation Council

Family Justice Young People’s Board 
Promote the voice of children and young people that experience family breakdown including those children and young people who are involved in family court proceedings

NSPCC 
0808 800500 Free access to current information on issues facing children with support and guidance

Young Minds
Understand more about how you're feeling and find ways to feel better

Family Lives
Family Lives build better family lives, together with support and advice

Voices In the Middle 
A collaboration between young people, the family law & mediation sector. Website no longer updated but still useful references

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Books for 3- 7 year olds

Two Homes by Clare Manurel

The Invisible String: by Patrice Karst

Jack by Helen Bishop

Mum and Dad Glue by Kes Gray

Living with Mum and Living with Dad by Melanie Walsh

The Huge Bag of Worries by Virgina Ironside

When parents separate (Questions and Feelings About) by Dawn Hewitt

The Kids' Book of Family Changes: Understanding Divorce and Separation and Managing Feelings  by Catherine Stephenson

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Books for over 8 year olds

The Suitcase Kid by Jacqueline Wilson

Goggle-Eyes by Anne Fine

Mom's House, Dad's Mom's House, Dad's House for Kids  by Isolina Ricci

Split Survival Kit: 10 Steps For Coping With Your Parents' Separation by Ruth Fitzgerald and Dr Angharad Rudkin

The Divorce Journal for Kids by Sue Atkins and Amy Bradley

A Kid's Guide to Divorce and Life After It: Tips, Tricks, and More by Daisy Freestone

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Books for over 12 year olds

Choosing yourself when your Parents Separate by Alex Dean

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