This talk – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hs-uCSabBgU – during Family Mediation Week 2026 made some great book recommendations. And it has prompted me to take a good look at Resolution’s “Parenting Through Separation: Putting Your Children First”. It’s available online here: https://resolution.org.uk/looking-for-help/parents-children-the-law/parenting-through-separation/ and available as a hard copy as well.
What’s Inside the Guide?
At about 40 pages, the guide is substantial enough to be authoritative but designed to be “dipped into” so it doesn’t overwhelm. It covers the full arc of the separation journey:
- The Emotional First Aid Kit: It starts by acknowledging the profound emotional impact of a breakup, offering a framework for the grief and shock parents often feel.
- The Language of Co-Parenting: There is a heavy focus on shifting from “ex-partners” to “co-parents,” including practical tips on communication at handovers.
- The Voice of the Child: Perhaps the most vital section, it helps parents understand how children of different ages process separation and how to tell them the news together.
- A Jargon Buster: It strips away the intimidating “legalese” of the family courts, empowering parents to understand the process without needing a law degree.
Why It’s a such a Good Resource for Clients
From a practitioner’s perspective, this is such a great resource to recommend to clients for the following reasons.
- It Normalises the Mess: It uses real stories and reflections from both parents and children. This helps clients realise that their “unruly” emotions are actually a standard part of a difficult transition.
- It Promotes Agency: By explaining options like mediation, collaborative law, and “Resolution Together” (the one-lawyer model), it moves parents from being passive participants in a legal fight to active architects of their new family structure.
- It’s Non-Judgmental: The tone is incredibly gentle. It doesn’t wag a finger at parents for being angry; instead, it provides a “crutch” (as one parent described it) to help them lean into better behaviours.
The Verdict
Whether you are a mediator, a therapist, or a parent currently navigating these choppy waters, this guide acts as an anchor. It reminds us that while a relationship might be ending, a family is simply changing shape. If you haven’t grabbed a copy yet, do have a look.