Child Centered Approach
Helping Children Through Transitions with Care and Compassion
Separation and family changes can be hard on children—but with the right support, parents can help them feel safe, seen, and secure. This section is here to support you as a parent or caregiver during this transition, offering tools to navigate difficult conversations and decisions with care.
Talking to Children About Family Changes
Children don’t need all the details, but they do need honesty and reassurance.
You'll find tips here on how to:
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Use age-appropriate language to explain what’s happening
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Reassure children that the separation is not their fault
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Respond to difficult questions without over-explaining
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Stay emotionally present, even when conversations are tough
Co-Parenting with Children’s Needs in Mind
Even if your relationship with the other parent is strained, your shared goal remains the same: your child’s wellbeing.
Some practical strategies to help you:
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Keep routines and expectations consistent across homes
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Communicate respectfully with your co-parent (even when it’s hard)
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Avoid putting children in the middle of adult conflict
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Stay focused on long-term goals, not short-term frustrations
Resources for Parents
Supporting your child starts with feeling supported yourself.
This section includes:
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Sample scripts and phrases for hard conversations
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Recommended books and articles for parents
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Tools to help children express emotions (that you can use at home)
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Signs to watch for if your child is struggling—and when to seek help
Additional Resources
https://juridiqc.gouv.qc.ca/en/separation-and-divorce/children/helping-children-cope
https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/fl-df/parent/mp-fdp/p5.html