How to Prepare your Kids for Divorce

When you and your partner have decided it’s time to split up, one of the hardest conversations you’ll have to have is with your children.

You may feel anxiety, guilt, fear and shame, after all your children did nothing to deserve this.

How do you tell your child that their whole world is about to change, and how do you make them see that it is not their fault?

There are six key messages that are essential for every child to hear, understand and absorb. By sharing and repeating these six points to your children in the weeks and months following the initial conversation, you will enable them to better handle, accept and even embrace the challenges and changes they will soon be facing.

Here are the six must-tell messages for your children:

      1.       This is not your fault

      2.       We will always be your parents no matter what happens

      3.       You are safe, and you will continue to be safe

      4.       This is about making a change, not about blaming each other

      5.       In the end, everything will work out fine

      6.       Mom and dad will always love you!

If you feel that divorce is the right path for you to take then consider mediation. Mediation is the art of finding a middle ground solution to seemingly unfathomable problems. It is used in contractual and divorce disputes among others - Contact Cape Mediators today!

The Top Ten Rules for Mediation Success

Mediation is an alternative way to solve disputes, such as non-criminal cases. Divorce, lease disputes, child custody and labour disputes can all be solved through mediation.

When a mediation is successful, both parties involved will work together to find common ground and come to an agreement, with the help of a neutral mediator.

So what are the keys to keeping your mediation on the path toward a fair and agreeable resolution? Here are ten rules to follow. 

Rule 1 – All parties must participate in making decisions

Rule 2 – Important documents and papers must be physically present

Rule 3 – Be right, but only to a certain point

Rule 4 – Build a deal

Rule 5 – Treat both parties with respect

Rule 6 – Be persuasive

Rule 7 – Focus on interests

Rule 8 – Be a problem solver

Rule 9 – Work past any anger

Rule 10 – Always be patient

Looking for professional, reliable mediation services at an affordable price? Contact Cape Mediators today mike@capemediators.co.za or give us a call on 082 422 3324

What Mediators Do and Don’t Do

When normal strategies aren’t helping you fix your problem, the best idea is to turn to mediation.  Mediation is a cheap, personal way of solving conflicts in a civilised manner.

Here’s what mediators do and don’t do:

What Mediators Do...

Mediators play a neutral role as they try to resolve a conflict you are involved in. Their job is to just assist you to understand, not to take sides! Mediators will lay down ground rules, ask questions, help you find the issues and encourage everyone to brainstorm solutions.

What Mediators Don’t Do...

Mediators do not make the decisions for you or the other person involved in the dispute. They will keep everything confidential and never speak to others about your mediation, unless you give them permission. A mediator will avoid picking sides or choosing you is right or wrong, and there is no point in you trying to persuade the mediator to pick your side.

Do you want to refer a dispute? Cape Mediators can help you out! Visit the website here, or contact them today - mike@capemediators.co.za