Your FNF Christmas Message
- Thank you!
- The Season of Goodwill to all dads? by Dr John Barry of University College London
- If you are in a difficult place this Christmas - get some help
- Christmas Video
At this time of year, we think it is important to thank the thousands of people who support us. Thousands of you have made donations - some substantial, many more small donations which between you have enabled us to continue to support children in having both their parents and extended familiies involved in their lives. We also wish to thank the many volunteers who give up their free time to provide support on our Helpline, in our branches throughout the country and at our national office. On behalf of thousands of our service users, THANK YOU!
The Season of Goodwill to all Dads?
Dr John Barry of University College has written a Christmas blog, which we thought we'd share with you here. Dr Barry writes of the disadvantages that separated fathers face and the disproportionally devastating effects these can have on their mental health. The issues come to a fore because of the particular difficulties dads experience in retaining relationships with their children, which can be especially painful at Christmas when it is a time for children and family. When those children have been exposed to alienating behaviours by their day-to-day carers and begin to show signs of rejection of once loved parents, it is both abuse of the child and cruel to their alienated parents - the targets of such behaviour. Of course, parental alienation does not just affect dads and their children. It is not a gender issue and mothers too can be alienatied. Whether it is dad or mum, it almost always results in the alienation of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends and anyone who continues to retain a meaningful relationship with the target parent.
Get Some Help and Support
Dr Barry's article makes a few suggestions for getting help if you are affected by the issues. If you are in a difficult place this Christmas, please get some help. Call our Helpline on 0300 0300 363, ideally between 6pm and 10pm Monday to Friday. Also do visit one of our support groups in the New Year.
Finally, please watch this video. We have used it before, but the message is as relevant today as when we first sent it out.
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