Guidance
Being a dad through separation
Presence is built through ordinary, reliable actions. Keep the child’s day-to-day life at the centre of your decisions.
- Orient yourself
- Take action
- Choose the next step
Be predictable.
Keep agreed times, school commitments and ordinary routines wherever safe and possible.
Use child-focused communication.
Share necessary information about health, school and arrangements without attaching adult argument.
Do not recruit the child.
Do not ask them to report, carry messages, keep secrets or reassure you about the case.
Keep showing up appropriately.
A calm message, school update, birthday card or reliable call can matter when physical time is limited—subject to any court order or safeguarding plan.
Keep in mind
- Children can love both parents without betraying either.
- Do not criticise the other parent to the child.
- Respect a child’s pace while remaining safely available.