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Sometimes children need a neutral, supportive person to talk to about their concerns and fears. Check with your Employee Assistance Program to see what services are covered, or talk to your family doctor for a referral.
It's normal for you to have strong feelings too - anger, sadness and even depression. Try to talk to someone yourself, to help you cope with these feelings so that you don't involve your child or children in situations or conversations that are best dealt with by the adults. Look for our "Tips for Separating or Divorced Parents."
The most important information offered by our family mediator, Donna Bond, is that children have a right to not hear arguments and strife about what's happening and they have a right not to hear negative comments or observe negative reactions to "the other parent." Mediation helps parents sort out strong feelings and get a plan in place to provide for your children's future. Let us help you create a positive, supportive "co-parenting plan."
Travel Tips For Parents
If you or your spouse plan on taking your child or children out of the country save yourselves and your offspring the hassle at the airport or border by having a valid passport or current photo and a notarized letter, acknowledging both parents are aware of the travel plans. A notarized letter may cost between $25-$50, however, it will be worth it if your travel plans aren’t interrupted by a demand for such a letter or trying to get the stay-at-home parent to the airport or border to provide the necessary information. Recent information indicates that Canadian citizens under the age of 15 years will only require proof of citizenship such as a birth certificate or citizenship card to enter the U.S. after June 1, 2009. All other travellers will require a valid passport or the high-tech i.d. cards such as NEXUS or FAST or an enhanced driver's licence.
By the way, the recommendation to have a notarized letter applies to any children who might be accompanying your and your family on vacation to the U.S. or abroad.
For adults requiring an updated or new passport, you are advised to go to Passport Canada's homepage and download an application form, which once completed you can take to the nearest passport office (the quickest way to get a passport which is 10 days as compared to by mail which is 20 plus days). Read the instructions carefully. Passport staff can help you with any minor errors. Busiests days are Mondays & Fridays - best time to go is before 11 a.m. Costs: Adults - $87, children ages three to 15 - $37 and children under three - $22. Call ahead to check current fees. This information is provided only as a guideline.
Information for Parents - Age of Majority By Province
Age 18 Age 19
Alberta British Columbia
Manitoba Newfoundland & Labrador
Ontario New Brunswick
Prince Edward Island Northwest Territories
Quebec Nova Scotia
Saskatchewan Nunavit
Yukon
New Online Resource to
Help Children Cope
With Separation or
Divorce
The Canadian Department of Justice
has just released a new resource
online to help children cope with
separation or divorce. Resources for
Children is a user friendly database,
which lists over two hundred
Canadian and international resources
in the area of separation and divorce.
The Web site is useful for parents
and for professionals who work with
children affected by separation or
divorce. A brief description is
provided for each resource which
includes books, workbooks, videos,
web sites and games. There is also
the option to view all resources
available for a particular age group.
The Web site can be accessed by
clicking the link below:
http://canada.justice.gc.ca/en/ps/pad/
resources/core/about.asp
Children's Rights
* It is desirable for children to have a close and loving relationship with both parents
* Children should feel comfortable expressing feelings of love and respect for one parent while in the other parent’s presence.
* Children should not be subjected to demeaning remarks or criticism about their mother or father.
* Children should spend as much time as possible with each parent in keeping with the child’s needs, wishes and stage of development and the ability and willingness of the parent to spend time with them.
* Children need both parents.
Compliments of: Bond D. Mediation Services
Tel (604) 581-3476 E-mail: d_bond@shaw.ca
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Information for Parents
