Family booklet freebie

Volume 48, No. 19, October 19, 2006

NAVIGATING the highs and lows of life after separation can be a rollercoaster ride for everyone involved – parents, new partners, kids, and the extended family – but now there’s a new guide to help.

Me and My Changing Family is a free booklet produced by the Child Support Agency (CSA) to help step-families move forward and build healthy relationships.

CSA consulted with experts and advocacy groups and tested the booklet with parents to ensure it addressed their issues. It is the fifth in a series written for families going through separation.

Me and My Changing Family is full of practical tips and hints for step-families including:

Moving on – starting a new relationship;

The practicalities of making step-families work;

Information for parents, such as how to get along with your partner’s ex;

What to do when your ex re-partners and how to manage changing family circumstances;

Step-families through the kids’ eyes – what are your kids going through?

Extended family – what about the grandparents?

Where to go to get extra help if you need it.

The booklet includes case studies where members of step-families share their experiences on what to expect when starting on the blended family journey. They offer helpful tips on what worked for them including setting ground rules and family meetings.

Free copies can be ordered from the website www.csa.gov.au or by calling 1800 040 972.

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