Mary Wells, BA, BSW, RSW Supervised access to children is becoming a more frequent occurrence for families where there are allegations of family violence or abuse, or where a parent is alleged to have addiction or mental health disorders. Supervised access may be done in the offices of a child protection agency, a family court…
If you are a parent like me who is trying to learn the best way to positively discipline, you would likely hear many suggestions and ideas and more often than not, you would hear “do tough love… don’t enable the child.” Parenting comes with many do’s and dont’s, some things valid some not. It sometimes rattles…
Parenting is the most significant job one will ever take on. At times, it can be the most challenging, but it is the most rewarding. When we first become parents, there is an overwhelming, indescribable feeling of joy, happiness and excitement. How we take on and perform in this role of parenting is determined by…
If you are the parent who had or has to have visits with your children supervised, the question that would likely be asked is “Why,” and for how long. This situation is often frustrating with feelings of anger and resentment. To help dismantle these feelings and help build a healthy relationship for parents and…
I must have asked Mathew (not is real name) a million times to eat his dinner. He must have sensed my exasperation because he responded with, “If you keep talking to me like that I will not listen to you.” He was so matter of fact. I turned to him immediately ready to…
Another year has come and gone. New year, for new changes. Like many of us, as the year ends we will reflect on the past with all the good, the bad to make resolutions for future change. Many parents, both mothers and fathers, are reflecting on the past year as one of separation and divorce.…
In order to have a healthy body you also need to take care of your mind. Many people turn a blind eye to their mental health before the symptoms overwhelm their personal life and affect their relationship with their family, friends and colleagues. Some discover the effects of a mental illness only when confronted with…
When two individuals make the commitment to enter into a relationship, this sometimes includes the commitment to be parents. With this decision and the commitment made by each, begins a plan of a lifelong partnership. Unfortunately many relationships can change for the worst and the only solution is separation. Today we know many marriages…
How to apply for the supervised access program Referrals can be made through your lawyer. If you do not have a lawyer, then a self-referral is acceptable. We require a copy of the court order or signed separation agreement which specifies the conditions of access such as, times, dates, and frequency of the visits. We…
The structures of families are changing. As the structures change, the role of grandparents is altered significantly. In 2001, 56,7000 children lived with their grandparents (www.stats.canada.ca). Along with these changes we see more parents living with grandparents in addition to grandparents taking on more responsibility for the family financially and emotionally. In 2001 of the…