Category Archives: Best Interests of ..

At Lilly Pilly, we believe that every child and parent deserve a safe and supportive environment, especially during supervised visits and changeovers. Our centre provides just that—an environment that is neutral, child-focused, and above all, dedicated to ensuring that families stay connected. This September, in collaboration with Queensland Child Protection Week 2025, we are opening our gates to the wider community! Come and learn how we’re working together to address child abuse and neglec...

The media is full of scary stories about online risks for young people and while there are also more specific and unique concerns about children using their technology within the context of post-separation co-parenting arrangements that requires extra vigilance, it’s important not to let potential problems stop you from letting your child use technology for their education and personal interests. Open communication is the most important tool for those in a co-parenting arrangement. As nice as ...

Changeovers can undoubtedly be challenging, particularly for the children involved. It’s essential that these transitions are smooth, free of conflict, and safe for everyone every single time. The experience of changeovers can evolve and varies from one family to another. Some parents engage in friendly chats and updates, while others may not communicate at all. Here are some helpful tips Lilly Pilly recommended to ensure changeovers are seamless and hostile free, especially for the kids: ...

Feelings of anger, resentment, or a desire for revenge are normal post separation. But it’s important that you don’t let your feeling affect the relationship you’re children have with the other parent. It’s easy to become absorbed in our own problems and you may unknowingly become an alienating parent. Intentional or not, parental alienation is child abuse. So you’re not badmouthing the other parent – You might not be speaking negatively directly to your child...

Regardless of whether you’re married, separated, unmarried or divorced, bad mouthing the other parent is not appropriate behaviour. Children see themselves as a blend of both parents, half of you and half of the other parent. No matter what parents do, it’s natural for most children to continue to love their parents unconditionally and seek their acceptance. When anyone puts down the their parents it hurts them, and it’s especially hurtful when it comes from one of their own parent...

It may seem petty to use an emergency contact form for school as means of control in a power struggle, but unfortunately it happens. This tactic is often used to undermine your efforts and paint you as the difficult or absent parent who doesn’t communicate. 28% of children under the age of 14 have separated parents. That is a significant percentage of the school community and unless there is a court order that says otherwise, both parents are entitled to...

Kids are able to understand that their are different rules and expectations of them in different places. For example school aged children are expected to raise their hand and talk when called on where at home this is not the case. The same goes for different house holds, when visiting family or friends they may be expected to take their shoes off in one place and not the other. This is simple respectfulness that kids are able to adjust to....

There are very valid reasons why parents use their devices during a supervised vists. Maybe you are going to check the time, respond a text or email, or take a photo. That’s the world we live in, and that’s okay. But when we become absorbed in our devices in a way that interferes with our ability to connect with and respond to our kids, then this a problem. While Lilly Pilly doesn’t have set rules regarding device use during visitation,...