Getting emotional support
Emotional support can help you get through the stress of making child arrangements.
You're more likely to reach an agreement if you're emotionally ready and know where to get support if you need it.
Peer support
Your family and friends are likely to be the greatest source of support.
You can also try using online forums or attending group meetings to speak with people who have been through a similar experience.
Use online forums
Online forums allow you to share your story, tell people how you're feeling and discuss any concerns you have.
Exchange experiences and get support from others by posting a question or sharing your story.
The following are examples of helpful forums:
Find a group near you
Look for a family meet-up group or single parents network in your area. Both work in the same way as forums but the focus is usually on meeting face to face.
Professional advice
You should consider professional advice (for example seeing a counsellor or attending meetings) if you feel you're struggling to cope.
Counselling
A professional counsellor can help you understand issues such as:
- how to reduce emotional stress
- the effect disputes have on your children
- why your relationship with the other parent ended
Contact the Samaritans if you need to speak to someone urgently.
Average cost of a counsellor
£35 - £60
Cost based on a 50-minute session. Fees may vary depending on your location and the experience of the counsellor. Some counsellors offer reductions if you're unemployed or on a low income.
Parenting advice
The Planning Together for Children course in England and the Working Together for Children programme in Wales helps you understand how to put your children first and reduce the harmful effects of parental conflict.
A judge may direct you to complete Planning Together for Children or Working Together for Children if you take your case to court. A Cafcass family court adviser can also make a request for you to attend. You won't go to the same group as the other parent. There is no cost to you for taking part.
There is a similar programme in Scotland.
Emotional readiness
Emotional readiness is being able to put aside your own feelings and any negative thoughts about the other parent. If you're emotionally ready you'll have a better chance of making an agreement that's in the best interests of your children.
The Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) has more information on what you need to do to become emotionally ready .