Discussion groups for children and youngsters whose parents do not live together
When parents separate, it can greatly affect the children – especially if the conflict between the parents is high. Children whose parents have not lived together for a long time, or perhaps never lived together, can also be affected, and may need to adjust to the situation as a way of life. Regardless of whether the parents have many disagreements and conflicts, or if the co-operation between the parents is good, their children may have many questions and feelings that they may not discuss in their everyday lives.
Studies from countries around us show that children who have participated in discussion groups are less anxious, become better at coping with challenges, and develop a more positive self-image.
The purpose of the discussion groups is to give children, whose parents no longer live together, the opportunity to talk to other children in the same situation and with similar experiences. The children get the chance to articulate thoughts and feelings regarding the separation and life after the separation. In the discussion group, children hear each other's stories. They become aware that other children are going through the same thing, learn to understand the dynamics in their own family better, and feel that they are not alone. It can feel like a relief for the child to talk about their situation. The children are also supported in a way that makes them better able to manage difficult situations, challenges and circumstances that occur when parents do not live together.
Participation in the discussion group is free, and all children and youngsters whose parents do not live together can participate. It is not a requirement that the parents have been in contact with the Family Law Administration or have a case with the Family Law Administration. It is of no relevance whether it has been a short or a long time since the parents separated.
The children
- see and understand that they are not alone, and that no family is the same.
- learn to understand and appreciate themselves better and take care of themselves and their own needs.
- receive support and learn to handle their life situations and various challenging situations.
- learn to understand that the separation is never their fault.
The children are divided into groups according to age with a 2–3-year age difference. There are 6-8 children in each group. The groups meet every other week for an hour and a half, 6 sessions in total.
It is recommended that the child should ideally be at least 8 years old to benefit from participating in the discussion group. If the child is younger than 8 years old but parents believe that participating in the conversation group would benefit the child, parents are welcome to send us an application, and then the Family Law Administration will be in touch.
In each discussion group, there are one or two adults who lead the groups, address various relevant topics, and help the children find suitable tools to handle thoughts, feelings, and challenges. The children engage in conversation while the group leader is present to guide the discussions, e.g., through games or exercises, and to facilitate the activities and encourage active participation from the children.
Before the groups start, there is a meeting with the parents. The purpose of the meeting is to inform the parents about the content of the discussion groups, their role and other relevant information regarding these types of situations. Additionally, the purpose of the meeting is to emphasize the parents' responsibility and to work against the child feeling responsible for the family situation or responsible for resolving issues between the parents.
A child can be signed up for a discussion group by sending the Family Law Administration an email on famf@famf.fo. Then we will get back to you regarding the necessary information required.
Either the parent with whom the child lives with, or both parents, registrate the child for discussion group. Both parents will be invited to an informative meeting, and it is in the child’s best interest that both parents participate.
Once we receive a registration, the parents will receive a confirmation and further information.
The groups will be formed based on age and location of the children. We cannot determine when the child can start in a discussion group because it depends on when enough children are registered for us to form a group that suits the child, as well as when we can start a new group. New groups start approximately every third month.