Lesson 6: RESOURCE 6G 124
Copyright 2018 Marline E. Pearson
The Basics:
• Don’t drag it out. End it for good. Don’t do the on again, off again thing.
• Don’t keep calling your ex just to make sure he/she is okay.
• Take precautions if you need to. Change locks? Get help leaving safely?
• Tell friends and family. Ask them for support.
• Find something nice (and positive) to do for yourself if you are feeling down.
Realize the breakup can be hard on your child.
• Most children want a relationship with both parents.
• Allow your child to talk about feelings of sadness and loss—even if you hate your ex.
• Your child will need to process it many times as they enter different stages of life.
• Make it possible for your ex to stay in touch with your child. Don’t interfere with his/
her relationship with their child.
• Regular contact is important for your child as long as his/her presence isn’t dangerous.
• Do not badmouth your ex in front of your child—even if you think he/she deserves it. It
just hurts your child and makes them feel bad.
• Don’t think just any new partner can substitute for the other parent.
Don’t hop quickly into a new relationship.
• Focus on being the best parent you can be.
• Complete school seek employment.
• Learn communication skills to help all your relationships, especially with your ex in co-
parenting.
• Take a break from relationships—give yourself time. Work on building yourself up.
• Next time, don’t slide. Take your time and use the relationship smarts you gain in this
program.
• Know it takes time (often a long time) for a relationship
to develop between a child and a stepparent.
• Extended family and mentors can help children if you
are parenting solo.
Tips for Parents
Copyright 2018 Marline E. Pearson
The Basics:
• Don’t drag it out. End it for good. Don’t do the on again, off again thing.
• Don’t keep calling your ex just to make sure he/she is okay.
• Take precautions if you need to. Change locks? Get help leaving safely?
• Tell friends and family. Ask them for support.
• Find something nice (and positive) to do for yourself if you are feeling down.
Realize the breakup can be hard on your child.
• Most children want a relationship with both parents.
• Allow your child to talk about feelings of sadness and loss—even if you hate your ex.
• Your child will need to process it many times as they enter different stages of life.
• Make it possible for your ex to stay in touch with your child. Don’t interfere with his/
her relationship with their child.
• Regular contact is important for your child as long as his/her presence isn’t dangerous.
• Do not badmouth your ex in front of your child—even if you think he/she deserves it. It
just hurts your child and makes them feel bad.
• Don’t think just any new partner can substitute for the other parent.
Don’t hop quickly into a new relationship.
• Focus on being the best parent you can be.
• Complete school seek employment.
• Learn communication skills to help all your relationships, especially with your ex in co-
parenting.
• Take a break from relationships—give yourself time. Work on building yourself up.
• Next time, don’t slide. Take your time and use the relationship smarts you gain in this
program.
• Know it takes time (often a long time) for a relationship
to develop between a child and a stepparent.
• Extended family and mentors can help children if you
are parenting solo.
Tips for Parents
