Kids Zone lends a virtual helping hand

The Children’s Society has launched an online guide to help children of all ages cope with the separation of their parents, which has been funded by a leading family law firm Mishcon de Reya.

The Kids Zone area of The Children’s Society’s website features advice, a letter for children to give to their parents and a series of short films sharing personal accounts from children whose parents have divorced. A ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ page answers questions such as ‘what happens in court?’ and ‘what if parents are splitting up but they are not married?’

The guide features videos of children talking openly about their experiences of divorce. One of them focuses on 8 year old Anna, who talks about her feelings when her parents split up: “After mum and dad told us they were breaking up, my sister and I were sad and afraid. I felt like it was my fault, even though mum said it wasn’t”.

The website lends a virtual helping hand to those who are experiencing the changes that separation can often bring. It aims to answer some of the questions that children may want to ask but for a variety of reasons may feel unable to.

Bob Reitemeier, Chief Executive at The Children’s Society said: “The special resources we have developed with Mishcon de Reya on Kids Zone tackle many of the issues that children face during the break up of their parents’ relationship. It can be very traumatic for a child and we hope these resources will offer some guidance and support whilst encouraging children to speak to their parents or someone close to them about how they are feeling.

“Divorce can be frightening and confusing for children but research has shown that many of the problems experienced do dissipate over time” (The Good Childhood Inquiry evidence summary 2009)

Sandra Davis, head of family law at Mishcon de Reya, said: “We, as a law firm, have recognised how child related issues are frequently thrust into the court system without the need to be. At Mishcon de Reya we are currently campaigning to change the current system but until that happens we are delighted to be working with The Children’s Society to help guide and support children caught up in the separation of their parents.”

Kids Zone also covers many other issues that affect children, including support for young carers, those experiencing bullying and problems at home.

The Children’s Society Good Childhood Inquiry found that 70% of children agreed that ‘parents getting on well’ was one of the most important factors in raising happy children. When asked if parents who argue should stay together 47% said no, 33% said yes and 20% said that they didn’t know (The Good Childhood Evidence Summary 2009). These varied responses demonstrate that divorce can affect children very differently and the online guide aims to make the experience of divorce clearer for those children going through it.

Ends

To view the new resources helping children through their parents’ separation, please visit www.childrenssociety.org.uk/kids_zone.

For more information please contact Lorna Harris (lorna.harris@childsoc.org.uk) at The Children's Society’s media office on 020 7841 4424.
For more information about Mishcon de Reya’s campaign, please contact Alice Bruce of Consolidated PR on 020 7781 2343, aliceb@consolidatedpr.com.

Notes to Editor
The Children’s Society
The Children’s Society is a leading children’s charity committed to making childhood better for all children in the UK; www.childrenssociety.org.uk

- ‘A Good Childhood: searching for values in a competitive age’ was published by Penguin on 5 February 2009.
- All children in the videos are portrayed are portrayed by actors, but based on personal accounts given to The Children’s Society.

Mishcon de Reya
Founded in 1937, Mishcon de Reya, is a leading London based law firm offering a wide range of legal services, http://www.mishcon.com/services, to companies and individuals. For further information and contact details visit; http://www.mishcon.com/about_us.