What is the key to managing conflict? Let me tell you a story, an old story, recounted in a book that has been printed in every language on the planet and has sold continuously for 81 years. The thesis running through this enduring manuscript is one that influenced me in my adolescence and dictates much…
How do I talk to my children’s other parent about things that annoy me? It can be tricky to talk to your children’s other parent, about things that bother you (about their parenting). Lots of families have this question and it’s something we discuss a lot in the Superstar Co-Parenting Program, my 1-1 coaching…
Just about every time someone contacts me for mediation, their first question is “how much will it cost?”. Today, I was looking over my website and the page all about “how much it costs”. The header image is of a little girl looking up at her mum. And it struck me – how much DOES…
When our children are born, this question could not be further from our mind. Even on our hardest days (or nights) of parenting, needing a break from our kids rarely turns into “how much time can my child spend away from me?”. But this is the situation we’re faced, as separated and divorced parents. What…
My eldest child and I have a tumultuous relationship. We clash. Constantly. He doesn’t listen, can’t follow multiple instructions, loves mess and organisation is his least best skill. He’s a procrastinator, a ‘do as little as possible’ kinda kid, and he feels deeply. He’s me. He looks like me, thinks like his father, loves like…
School holidays can be hard. They’re hard for some parents who don’t share the care of their children and they can be hard for co-parenting families, although for very different reasons. If you are sharing the school holidays with your ex-spouse, I’m going to sound like a broken record, but please focus on your children…
Mother’s Day is a special day for Mums everywhere. It’s an opportunity to get presents, brekkie in bed and a day together doing something fun with the kids. It’s also a time to foster in children the attributes of generosity and gratefulness. It’s a time to acknowledge everything mothers do. An occasion to say thank…
Early school aged children are invited to lots of birthday parties. It’s a time when firm friendships have not yet been made and often the entire class is invited to celebrate this exciting milestone. Whether it’s an expensive play centre event, a lavish party or a low-key backyard gathering, what do you do when the…
Just about every time someone contacts me for mediation, their first question is “how much will it cost?”. Well, to start, there’s the obvious – time and money. How much money and time you need to spend will depend on which mediator you choose. Time It costs you as much or as little time as…
Something I’m often asked, is “how do CONTRAVENTION Applications work?”. The families I support are often in the midst of arguments, tantrums, stand-off’s and sometimes parental alienation. Many families see this co-parenting stuff as a high stakes game. It’s all about competing, comparison, owndership, one-up-manship, tit-for-tat and pick-up-your-game. Some families will fight about anything –…