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Light in the Dark | When Children Aren't Living With You

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Light in the Dark for Parents Whose Children are Not Living With Them ( PDF, 89.3 KB)
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Light in the Dark

Bringing your feelings into the light so you can learn to heal

This resource is for parents whose children are currently not living with them

Powering the healing journey

Healing is a journey not a destination.

It is not a sign of weakness to need to work on your emotional self. It takes a lot of strength to do this and to ask for help.

Wherever you are today, you can take steps today to start your journey and get the support you deserve.

Parents can feel like they are always waiting for something:

for court dates

for support services

to see their child

to possibly bring their child home

What you can do for yourself today:
 

  • Spend time with people who understand your pain
  • Spend time in nature to feel calm and connected
  • Do small, good things for yourself (eat a nourishing meal, listen to your favourite song) 
  • Notice even the small moments when you feel strong and resilient

What you can learn about yourself today: 

  • What do you notice about yourself when you feel calm and connected?
  • What do others notice about you when you seem calm and connected? 
  • What piece of advice have you been given that really meant something? 
  • What small step can you take now that would change your situation?

This resource has been produced by Adoption England. This resource is based on a series developed by the research Centre for Children & Families, Sydney School of Education & Social Work and the ARC Linkage Project Fostering Lifelong Connections for Children in Permanent Care. The original resource was co-designed with experts-by-experience, Tegan Whittaker and Chantelle Rozzi.