👨‍👩‍👧 What Is Child Mediation and How Can It Help?

When families go through separation or conflict, it can be difficult to keep communication calm and focused—especially when children are involved. Child mediation is a supportive process that helps parents or guardians work together to make important decisions in the best interests of their children.

In this blog, we’ll explain what child mediation is, how it works, and why it can be a positive alternative to court proceedings.

💡 What Is Child Mediation?

Child mediation is a structured, impartial process where separating parents or carers work with a trained mediator to resolve issues relating to their children. This can include:

• Living arrangements

• Parenting schedules

• Schooling and education decisions

• Communication and contact with both parents

• Holiday arrangements

The mediator’s role is not to take sides or make judgments, but to help both parties reach agreements that are practical, fair, and child-centred.

🧘 How Is It Different from Court?

Unlike court, which can be costly and adversarial, child mediation is:

• Voluntary – Both parents must be willing to participate

• Confidential – What’s said in mediation usually stays in mediation

• Less stressful – It encourages collaboration rather than conflict

• Focused on the child – The child’s wellbeing is always the priority

• Faster and more cost-effective – Resolutions can often be reached in just a few sessions

👶 What About the Children’s Voice?

In some cases, children aged 10 and over can be invited to take part in a Child-Inclusive Mediation session. This gives them a chance to share their feelings in a safe and supported space, helping both parents understand their child's perspective.

Children don’t make decisions, but their voices are heard and respected.

🧩 When Is Child Mediation Useful?

Child mediation is particularly helpful when:

• Parents are separating or divorcing

• There is ongoing conflict over parenting arrangements

• One parent wants to move away with the child

• There are disagreements over schooling or healthcare

• A parenting plan needs to be reviewed after a change in circumstances

🛑 Is Child Mediation Right for Everyone?

Mediation may not be suitable in situations involving:

• Domestic abuse or coercive control

• Safeguarding concerns

• Cases where one parent is unwilling to engage at all

In such cases, alternative legal or therapeutic routes may be recommended.

🤝 How to Get Started

If you're considering child mediation, it usually begins with a MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting), where each parent meets the mediator separately to discuss the situation.

After that, joint mediation sessions can be arranged if both parties agree to proceed.

💬 Final Thoughts

Child mediation helps reduce conflict, promotes healthy co-parenting, and gives children the stability they need. If you're navigating separation or parenting challenges, mediation could be a positive, child-focused step forward.

Need support or guidance?Jenny Palmer offers a calm, professional space to help parents move forward collaboratively. Contact today to learn more or book your first meeting.