Separated mothers and fathers have had a difficult time over the past few years, expected to’get on with’ one of the most difficult life changes it is possible to face. The help that has been available, has been delivered by support services which have, at best, ensured that the rights of parents are upheld after separation and, at worst, have contributed to the widening of the gap that is already opening up when two parents decide to go their separate ways. For too many years it has been impossible to discuss the impact of family separation on children, lest we are considered to be pro marriage or somehow anti women and mothers. Those of us who have witnessed the impact of family separation on children over decades however, know that unless we do something different now, another generation of children will grow up with fragile relationship bonds and will, themselves, risk family separation in their own adult family lives.
