I believe that children adapt more successfully to life after their parents divorce or separate where both parents are able to remain involved and both are able to support and adapt to their children's changing needs over time.
I consider that the traditional model of support to separated families - the recognition of a 'lone parent' and 'non resident parent' - is both divisive and
unhelpful and believe that these divisions, which are usually based on gender expectations, do not help either parents or children to build new family relationships post
separation.
I am convinced that the only model that helps parents to successfully negotiate the transition from parenting together to parenting apart is one that recognises the
different experiences and expectations of mothers and fathers and builds services to support them.
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A bit of personal stuff...
I was born in North Yorkshire, in the United Kingdom, in 1965. I am married to Karen who I am also privileged to work with. I have two children aged 17 and 19 and have been a separated parent for 15 years. I also have one step daughter.