What does a child need when the parents separate?

How can children be supported and accompanied during a parental separation? In the Kosmos-Kind lecture, psychotherapist Sabine Brunner talks about the challenges and opportunities of involving children in the reorganisation of the family and taking their needs into account.

The question of how children can be heard during the intense period of parental separation is a topic that not only concerns parents, but also professionals. How can children be involved in the reorganisation without overburdening them? Which children's needs should be taken particularly seriously and what should children be protected from?

«It is always advisable to involve the child during a separation phase,» says Sabine Brunner. They should never have the feeling that everything is being decided over their head, says the psychologist and psychotherapist for children and families. «On the other hand, they shouldn't feel that they have to make decisions that are their parents' responsibility.» So how do parents find the right balance?

Staying a family despite separation

In her Kosmos Kind lecture, Sabine Brunner gives an overview and describes with examples how parents and children can remain a family despite separation and how this can succeed with the child in mind.

Sabine Brunner is a psychologist and psychotherapist for children and families.(Picture: zVg)

About Sabine Brunner

Sabine Brunner is a psychologist and psychotherapist for children and families. As part of her work at the Marie Meierhofer Institute for the Child (MMI) in Zurich, she focusses on the question of what living conditions children - especially young children - need in order to grow up well. Her portfolio includes counselling for families and professionals as well as supervision and further training; she also writes expert reports and expert opinions in the civil law context.

Lecture cycle «Cosmos child»

The Stiftung Elternsein foundation, publisher of the Swiss parenting magazine Fritz+Fränzi, has launched the "Akademie. For the child. Giedion Risch" has launched the exclusive lecture cycle «Kosmos Kind». Recognised experts address different aspects of childhood and convey them in a way that is understandable and relevant to everyday life. Fritz+Fränzi subscribers benefit from discounted tickets.