Co-parenting when you are not together
Keeping things steady for your kids when you and their other parent are apart.
general information, not medical advice. if something's worrying you, speak to your GP or a qualified professional.
Co-parenting after a split is hard, and it rarely looks like the tidy version online. What helps most is consistency for the kids: predictable handovers, not putting them in the middle, and keeping adult disagreements away from them.
Be kind to yourself — this is a genuine loss as well as a logistical puzzle. Leaning on mates, and on the support lines on this page if it gets heavy, is a strength, not a failing.
need to talk to someone?
tadpole. isn't a crisis service. If you're struggling, these UK lines can help. Free and confidential.
- Emergencycall 999If you or someone else is in immediate danger.
- Samaritanscall 116 123Free, 24/7, for anyone in distress.
- CALMcall 0800 58 58 58Campaign Against Living Miserably — for men. 5pm–midnight daily.
- Shouttext SHOUT to 85258Free, confidential, 24/7 text support — text SHOUT to 85258.
- NHS 111call 111Urgent (non-emergency) mental health help — call and select the mental health option.