You, and kids like yourself, are the reason that Canadian Co-Parenting Centres exists. Really!
When parents split up, it's tough on everyone, including, and sometimes especially, kids.
We are committed to making sure that your parents don't fight too much.
And we want to help them set up two homes in whatever way is best for everyone. Sometimes that may be two full homes a block apart, and sometimes that may mean visiting one of your parents only a couple times per year, because they live half way around the world.
If your parents are fighting, be confident and trust in what you think is best.
It's ok to tell them that their fighting bothers you. Maybe suggest that they check out this website.
When people play shinny, a pick up game of basketball, or a fun game of football, they do just fine without a referee. Things come up, but they are usually dealt with fairly easily.
When the stakes go up, emotions are running high, and a rivalry has built up, it's a different story. Imagine teams playing for the Stanley Cup or the Grey Cup without any refs. It would be a disaster! It's ridiculous to even consider it, yet when parents divorce, the stakes are that high, emotions are often out of control, and the rivalry is more intense than it has ever been, and parents try to separate without a referee!
Sure, there's a judge, but he or she wasn't monitoring the game and there isn't any video to review. The judge is also way too busy to deal with all the minor infractions.
If your parents get a parenting coordinator, then, like a referee, that person can ensure that the game doesn't get out of hand, that your parents show good sportsmanship, and you don't get caught in the middle.
If you need someone to talk to, or if you need some help, contact someone you know and trust, or call the Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868. (Link to Kids Help Phone website)
For kids age 5 to 12, check out A Kids' Guide to Separation and Divorce provided by the government of British Columbia.
If you know of any other links that we should add, please contact us and we'll add them.
If you're a junior website developer and want to volunteer, you could do your thing on this web page and get added to the list of valuable and appreciated volunteers.
Note, if you are concerned that you or someone you know is at risk of being hurt, contact the police and ask for help.