Workshop on separation

The Beachside Family Centre in Umina will hold a Separated Parents Forum for the year on Wednesday, March 24.

The Talking With Your Kids workshop will help parents talk to their children about difficult issues arising from a separation, according to centre facilitator Ms Debbie Notara.

"Separation can be a difficult time for parents, trying to answer difficult questions asked by your children when you're often still trying to answer them for yourself," Ms Notara said.

"These difficult issues may include parental conflict, carrying messages, financial issues, taking sides and their understanding of your separation.

"The workshop will cover tricky questions children may ask like: Why did you separate? How come you don't love Mummy/Daddy anymore? Why do I have to go to Mum/Dad's? Mum told me to tell you to pay my school fees?"

Workshop guest speaker Ms Veronica McKibbin from Unifam said the issue of separation and divorce could be an overwhelming situation to be in for parents and children.

"This Separated Parents Forum can help you develop skills and strategies to talk with your children about some difficult issues parents are likely to face," Ms McKibbin.

"The forum will also provide an opportunity to meet with other parents from the Peninsula in similar situations and express ideas for future Separated Parents Forums."

The forum is free and will be held from 10am to 12pm.

Participants will receive morning tea, a workbook and a resource pack with childcare available for a gold coin donation.

The Beachside Family Centre is located on the grounds of Umina Public School, Sydney Ave, Umina.

Bookings are essential and can be made by calling 4343 1929.

Press release, 27 Feb 2010 Debbie Notara, Beachside Family Centre