I was delighted to hear that my son’s secondary school had introduced a welfare dog, Ember to the students. Ember is to be a permanent fixture, as studies show that canine interaction can help children therapeutically.
In 1954, the UN General Assembly established a Children’s Day. Unlike Father’s and Mother’s Day, you don’t actually hear much about it. The concept was reignited in 2014 and for the past 4 years organisations around the country have been celebrating Children’s Day.
The purpose behind the celebration, is to highlight the importance of a healthy childhood and how we need to protect the rights and freedoms of children in order to ensure that they can grow into happy, healthy adults.
As a family lawyer I am often asked what the rules, or practices are in relation to children on family breakups. There are no rules. However, what I and my colleagues at Rayden Solicitors have found is that child arrangements are more likely to work if both parents agree.
During my meetings I always give some basic, what I would call, ‘common sense’ advice to my clients:-
- Notify the children’s school of the household situation. This means that school teachers, parents, scout leaders are all keeping an eye on the children.
- No matter how well you think the children are holding up, get a referral to a counsellor, so that the children can talk freely to someone who is not involved in the situation.
- Always remind the children that they are loved by both parents and do what you can to facilitate communication between the children and parents.
Mediation is a great way of resolving issues with both parents being present to discuss matters with a neutral third party. It may take several meetings to reach an agreement, but in the long run it will be worth it. After all children need certainty and to know that whatever their parents are going through, that they are loved and their needs and wishes have formed a part of what their parents chose to do for them in the future.
If you’re really lucky your child’s school with also have an Ember!
No matter what your personal situation, how will you be celebrating with 13 May 2018, National Children’s Day?
Having flicked through my diary I can see that I’ll be spending part of the day with my 9 year old at golf, and then we’ll be joining my husband and our 12 year old at a football tournament. I guess we’ll celebrate with a round of ice creams and vocal support on the side line; regardless of the result.
Follow the organisation on twitter @NCDUK2018
Rupi Rai is a Senior Associate at Rayden Solicitors specialising children and finances.
If you would like any further information or advice in relation to family law and resolving conflict then please do not hesitate to contact us.
