Media Release
Monday 12 December 2005
Me, my kids and my Ex
No longer partners but parents forever, that's the message of
the Child Support Agency's new free booklet for separated parents.
CSA's General Manager, Matt Miller, today launched Me, my kids & my Ex,
the fourth booklet in the Me and My series.
Mr Miller said 'The Christmas holidays can be a difficult time for separated
families. Most parents want the best for their children, and there's no doubt
that children benefit from a co-operative relationship between their parents.'
'For the past six months I've been talking to separated parents and one of the
toughest challenges they face is sorting out new living arrangements, finances
and parenting responsibilities for their children post separation.'
'While our primary focus is the 1.2 million children who rely on child
support, CSA plays an important role in helping separated parents to navigate
their way through these complex issues.' 'The pull-out parenting plan in Me,
my kids & my Ex will assist parents to sort out arrangements for
their children.'
'This booklet is full of practical tips and hints to help parents build a
workable relationship with their ex and to minimise the harmful impact of
separation on their children,' said Mr Miller.
Me, my kids & my Ex incorporates real-life experiences of
separated parents and outlines some roadblocks to communicating clearly
including hots-spots such as 'button pushing'.
The booklet will also help parents to:
-
develop a workable relationship with their ex
-
identify the psychological games they sometimes play that hurt their children
-
deal with emotions and establish future goals
-
plan for their children's future
-
seek extra help.
Other titles in the series are: What
About Me? Taking care of yourself
;
Me and My Kids - Parenting from a distance
; and
Me and My Money - Practical money ideas
.
'By addressing the key areas of stress for parents CSA aims to improve
outcomes for the children of separated parents,' said Mr Miller.
Parents can order free copies of CSA booklets from www.csa.gov.au or by calling 1800 040 972.
Media enquiries
For interviews or information regarding the number of separated parents
registered with CSA in your local region, please email:
media@humanservices.gov.au Betacam footage available. Images of booklets at
www.csa.gov.au/media/gallery.aspx