Coping after separation (Australia)

Separation is a grief, and it often lands weeks after the practical decisions are made. Lifeline is there 24 hours a day for adults, Kids Helpline for children and young people, and Relationships Australia offers counselling for parents and for families going through separation.

Children cope best when the conflict they sense is low, whatever the arrangements are. One calm adult they can be honest with matters more than any programme.

• Lifeline is 13 11 14 and also takes text messages on 0477 13 11 14 (lifeline.org.au).
• Kids Helpline is 1800 55 1800, free and confidential, 24 hours (kidshelpline.com.au).
• Relationships Australia runs post-separation courses as well as counselling; ask your nearest office.

Sources checked September 2026. Government pages change; the links go to the official page for the latest.

• Separation is a grief, and it is normal for it to hit weeks later.
• Children cope best when the conflict they sense is low, whatever the arrangements are.
• Talk to a counsellor or a line before it becomes a crisis; that is what they are for.
• Routine, sleep and one adult you can be honest with matter more than advice.

Whatever route you take, a calm shared record helps. ParenThing keeps messages, the calendar, costs and handovers in one private place both parents can see, and your data is held in the EU. See how it works for Australian families.