We’re currently experiencing a COVID-19 global pandemic. While these are uncertain times, the protection and care of your child remains as important as ever. If not more so.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) advises parents to give their children the facts about what is happening. And to give clear information on how to reduce the risk of being infected. Ensuring they feel safe and reassured during a scary time.
The National Infection Prevention and Control Manual has lots of ideas and materials to encourage children to make practicing personal hygiene part of their normal day.
With thanks to information from Cafcass, and The Rt. Hon. Sir Andrew McFarlane, our most senior family Judge, we have put together advice for families who are co-parenting concerning their childcare arrangements during this time.
Maintain a sense of routine
Keeping to a routine, as much as possible, will help your child feel safe and secure. Although schools are shut, you should stick to mealtimes and bedtimes and any other daily rituals.
Routines with each of their parents should also be maintained unless there are justified medical/self-isolation issues or national guidance issued associated with leaving your house.
Communicate
If you’re not able to maintain your child’s routine, then it’s important to communicate this with your co-parent. If it is not safe for you to communicate directly, then consider using a trusted third party.
Think creatively about how your child can stay in touch with their other parent and family members.
Skype and Facetime are great ways to catch up. They can be used to enable the other parent to read them stories before bed.
Court directed arrangements
Children are allowed to move between separated parents during the current restrictions. They do not have to go. Parents still need to assess the risks involved.
Parents can agree to change the care arrangements for their children. If they don’t agree, and one parent believes the child spending face to face time with the other parent doesn’t comply with public health guidance then they can change the arrangements to those they believe are safe. The court may in the future have to decide whether this decision was sensible.
The court will expect alternative arrangements to be put in place. Skype and Facetime are great ways to catch up. The internet can be used to enable the other parent to read the children stories before bed, play games, or do the Joe Wicks workout together!
Be vigilant
When discussing a court case surrounding the care of your child, be extra vigilant that the child cannot overhear. Exposing children to disputes can result in them feeling confused and may harm them emotionally.
During these uncertain times, we want to reassure our clients that we are operating as normal. Courts are currently running virtually and people’s cases concerning the care of their children will continue.
You can read our full statement regarding COVID-19 here.