Take your children's feelings into account when making any decisions: check that their needs and feelings are not overlooked or misunderstood.
	Talk to your children about who they will live with and where, how and when they will see the other parent, grandparents and other family members.
	If you can't agree on arrangements for your children, you can seek help from your local Mediation Service. Some Mediation Services also offer help and support for children who are particularly upset or troubled by parents' separation.
	Allow children as many opportunities as they need to talk through what has happened and how things might change.
	Sometimes it helps if all the family talk together and for your children to talk to someone else in the family or outside it or to other children in the same situation.
	Try to remember the good times in your relationship and share these memories with your children.
	Try not to upset a child's routine too much or too abruptly. Stability is important in helping them to adjust.
	Explain the legal procedures to them in simple terms, if they are old enough.
	Allow time for your children and you to adjust to the changes.
	As children grow older they may want to discuss changes in contact arrangements.

Most families manage better if they have some help from each other, the rest of the family, their local community and the professional and self help groups available.