Top tips for providing support to a loved one when a relationship ends

1. Encourage them to keep communicating with their former partner.
2. Try not to take sides. Remember that any children are a mix of both their parents.
3. Try not to say negative things about the other person, especially if the children can hear.
4. Encourage them not to make hasty decisions, rather encourage them to think about how they want things to be in the future.
5. Help them to be flexible and compromise where possible: they may be co-parenting for many years.
6. Help them to see that it is ok for the children to spend time with both parents (as long as it is safe).
7. Help any grandchildren to understand that it is ok for them to have a relationship with both parents.
8. Let any grandchildren know that you are there for them if they want to talk.
9. Encourage the parent to see that it is still important for the children to have a relationship with their extended family.
10. Help them to see that important dates such as the children’s birthdays, school plays etc are special and they may wish both of their parents to be there.

This time is difficult for all. The best you can do is to be there for them as needed, be it to listen, help with childcare or provide emotional help and guidance.