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:
​
-
Use age-appropriate language to explain what’s happening
-
Reassure children that the separation is not their fault
-
Respond to difficult questions without over-explaining
-
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:
-
Keep routines and expectations consistent across homes
-
Communicate respectfully with your co-parent (even when it’s hard)
-
Avoid putting children in the middle of adult conflict
-
Stay focused on long-term goals, not short-term frustrations
Resources for Parents
Supporting your child starts with feeling supported yourself.
This section includes:
-
Sample scripts and phrases for hard conversations
-
Recommended books and articles for parents
-
Tools to help children express emotions (that you can use at home)
-
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
​​
​
​
You don’t have to do this alone. With support, reflection, and small, intentional actions, you can guide your child through this transition with compassion and care.