This resource summarises what is known about the meaning of home for children (primary school age and above) following parental separation. It describes some common challenges children face when navigating life across two households and what can help create a positive experience of home post-parental separation. The resource also provides some considerations for practitioners and other professionals working with parents and children in shared parenting arrangements.

Parental separation or divorce is a significant and often stressful life transition that typically involves major changes for both parents and children. Deciding how parenting and living arrangements will look after parental separation is an important step for families. 

Shared parenting arrangements have the potential to support children’s wellbeing and positive child–parent relationships. However, for many children, adjusting to life across two households takes time and can bring feelings of disconnection or uncertainty. Understanding what ‘home’ means to children in shared parenting, and what is important to create a sense of home, can help support children to have positive shared parenting experiences.

Key insights

• When asked about the meaning of home, children commonly associated 'home' with a place where they experienced feelings of belonging, ease and being comfortable, and where they shared meaningful interactions with other people. 
• Relationships and emotional connection are often more important to children's sense of home than the amount of time spent there, the physical space or possessions. 
• Children's sense of home can be challenged by frequent transitions between locations, disrupted routines, changing family dynamics, conflict between parents and feelings of exclusion when parents re-partner.
• Children often feel left out of decisions about shared parenting arrangements. 
• Practitioners can support parents to maintain and build their child's sense of home by encouraging them to consider their child's perspective and asking them to reflect on the strengths and challenges of their shared parenting arrangements.