Resources for separating parents

The Child Support Agency is responsible for the Australian Government’s Child Support Scheme, supporting separated parents to transfer payments for the benefit of their children. There are many parent support resources about issues related to separation readily available online.

Part of the ‘Me and My’ series, the Me and My Kids booklet provides tips and hints to help parents maintain and build their relationship with their children following separation. The booklet is available in several languages, online and in audio format.

It has been written for separated parents who spend much of their time away from their children. Its aim is to help separated parents become more involved in their children’s lives, build a stronger relationship, communicate effectively with the other parent and overcome the problems of staying in touch at a distance.

When your child comes to stay

How can I make my place feel like our home?

It helps to think of your child as having two homes, one with Mum and one with Dad.
• If you move house consider living close by — within cycling distance of school if possible.
• Give them a room of their own and let them help with decorating.
• If they can’t have a room, give them a space of their own that they don’t have to share with others. A cupboard, desk, bookcase or storage box is okay.
• Display family photos and things that have special meaning for you all.
• Find toys, books and games they like. Try your local toy library or garage sales. Let your kids help.
• Include some outside games: bats, balls, frisbees, bikes. Go to the local park where there’s room for the kids to kick a ball or play on the swings.
• Avoid hassles about the basics and keep things at your place like toothbrushes, pyjamas, socks, underwear, t-shirts, shorts and their medicines.
• A basic first aid kit could include children’s paracetamol, bandaids, antiseptic wipes, etc.

NB - Make sure you’ve got food they will eat in the fridge!

(Extracted: page 14)
 

Read more here: http://www.csa.gov.au/publications/1115.php or download the PDF here.