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Parenting During a Pandemic: 5 Tips on How to Get Your Family Through Covid19

Separation and divorce can be one of the most stressful periods of a person’s life. Adding a Pandemic to the mix can make this time feel almost unbearable. Our Family Law Lawyers have put together 5 tips on how to get your family through Covid19 and navigate your separation during this turbulent time.

  • Stick to Your Parenting Orders

If you have parenting Orders in place, you must continue to meet your obligations during the pandemic as best you can. If your Orders provide for time to be spent with the other parent, you need to facilitate that time to the best of your ability. Be prepared to face practical problems when implementing your parenting Orders during this time particularly with changeovers and time spent with the other parent due to quarantine, travel restrictions, sporting and school closures.

  • Communicate

Talk to your former partner about what you are doing to keep your children safe and healthy during this time and try to come up with a unified response. Your children will likely benefit from having parents that are on the same page during the pandemic and it will help reduce their stress too. If you and your partner struggle to communicate calmly, find a communication style that works for you such as using email or going through your family law lawyer.

  • Be Flexible and Open to Change

If possible, try to communicate with your former partner about anticipated difficulties in maintaining time with the other parent. If time arrangements cannot occur, connections can be maintained through digital means such as through Facetime or Skype. You may also have to rethink where changeovers occur or consider whether make-up time is necessary.

  • Practice Child Focused Negotiation

With reduced availability of the Courts, rather than focusing on what isn’t going right, try and be solution-focused to develop plans that work best for your family. Be willing to compromise with your former partner and consider what is in the best interests of your children.

  • Stay Positive and Be Aware of How Coronavirus is Impacting Your Children

The past few months have been turbulent and the effects are only just beginning to be felt in Australia. With job loss and income reduction becoming increasingly common, you might be concerned about how you are going to provide for your children financially, or who will care for your children if schools close.

Remember that the effects of the pandemic will be felt by your children too. Many children will be unable to participate in their social events such as sports, school formals and celebrations. Keep an eye out on how isolation may be affecting your children and talk them through their concerns. A positive approach will help to reduce your child’s stress and anxiety through Covid19.

If you or someone you know would like assistance, please contact one of our family law lawyers by telephoning 96357966 or email famlaw@matthewsfolbigg.com.au