Agony aunt Deirdre Sanders (pictured) has helped thousands of people with personal problems, be it through the Sun’s Dear Deirdre columns or on ITV’s This Morning. So what better way to kick off Family Mediation Week than a free online webinar for separating and divorced parents?
How parents handle separation is the most vital thing they will ever do affecting their children, Sanders said. Parents may be at their lowest ebb, feeling emotionally battered and bruised, but their children need them to be strong and courageous. ‘It’s just such a tough ask.’
No doubt listeners were taking notes as Sanders provided invaluable advice. For instance, instead of talking about ‘an “ex” who might be out of your life’, she advised referring to them as the child’s other parent. She also suggested talking about splitting up as a joint decision, even if one party is devastated. ‘From the child’s point of view, this is still a family.’
The hour-long session included Q&As, where a listener asked about mediation with adult children. Philippa Johnson, who chaired the webinar, said some parents have found it useful to create a series of videos. An example of what a parent might say: ‘I’m really sorry. If I have done things wrong, I would really like the chance to talk to you about it and understand your perspective better.’
Perhaps something David and Victoria Beckham could consider to begin the reconciliation process with their eldest son Brooklyn?
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