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Practical guideRelationshipsFamilyMenStarting over1 minute read
Fathers and their children after separation
Staying close to your kids when the family changes.
Separation can leave fathers feeling pushed out of their children's lives. Staying connected takes effort, and it matters.
What children need
- To know both parents still love them
- To not be caught in the middle
- Routine and reliability
- Permission to love both parents
Practical steps
- Turn up when you say you will
- Keep a room or a space for them, however small
- Keep in touch between visits: a call, a message, a photo
- Never use them to pass messages
- Do not criticise their other parent in front of them
Legal matters
Rules about parenting arrangements differ by country. Get proper legal advice before agreeing to anything formal. Many places have free or low cost family law services.
Look after yourself
Missing your kids hurts. Find support for that grief, so you can show up well when you are with them.
