Making 2017 Great
It was with a great sigh of relief that Christmas Day arrived and with it the summer holidays. The chaos, excitement and pressure of the festive season leaves in its wake the need for rest, revitalization and refocus for 2017. I enjoyed the change of pace, and routine. My favourite day was one when I…
The importance of the right experts in parenting matters
I became involved earlier this year as Independent Children’s Lawyer in a family law matter proceeding through the court system. This was a parenting dispute involving parents and their son aged about 15 months at that time. The right experts were vital in achieving the best outcome for this child. The child had been in…
The Odd Couple-more than just a blast from the past!
I was recently lucky enough to see the Melbourne Theatre Company production of The Odd Couple. This harkened back to when I was growing up and watching the TV series based on this play. The story is about best friends Oscar and Flex. They have a long term friendship that appears to be based on…
Insights from neuroscience for changing behaviour
Many of those involved in family disputes acknowledge the need for situations to be handled differently. This often requires those involved to act or react differently. Interventions to assist with such change, benefit from current knowledge acquired from neuroscience regarding the workings of the brain. This promotes an understanding of the impact of what is…
Conflict-what is it?
Conflict is a pervasive, inevitable and normal part of our lives. There are many resources available to assist in coping in this context, yet many do not appreciate the dynamic of conflict and their role within it. Each of us has our own personal reaction to conflict. Definition of Conflict There are many different definitions…
Christmas for separated families
Christmas should be a time of great excitement. Extended family gatherings, holiday time, the giving and receiving of special treats-all contribute to the anticipation of celebration and fun, relaxation and revitalisation! But it can also be a time of extreme stress, anxiety and dread. As an advisor and facilitator, it is the busiest time of…
Conflict Literacy-what is it?
As mediators and coaches interested in best practice, we work hard to develop and consolidate fundamental skills such as reframing, reflecting and summarizing, refraining from advising, being non-judgmental, impartial and even handed. We acquire knowledge to improve our practice regarding conflict dynamics and the identification of conflict types and ideas as to how to manage…
“It is sh*t after court”
I had a mediation recently where the parents were struggling to find a mutually acceptable arrangement for their children. The mother had grave concerns for the children when they were away from her, and was proposing a slow progression for the father to spend limited time with the children over an extended period of time.…
Parenting Plans-are they worth the paper they are written on?
In my discussions with professionals working with family disputes, many are reluctant to refer their clients to mediation on the basis of their experience that the agreements reached are not worth the paper they are written on. This demonstrates a lack of understanding of the nature and advantages of parenting plans, and the options available…
Bridging the gap in parenting understandings
I am often involved in assisting parents to work out an acceptable structure around the parenting arrangements, to enable them both to support the child moving from one household to the other, and to promote meaningful time for the child with both parents. Some parents have concerns about the safety and wellbeing of the…