How does a child feel when their parents separate? What do they need most during this time, and how can parents help them cope? These are the key questions addressed in the course ‘Children in focus’ (‘Kinder im Blick’), a programme launched in Germany in 2016 and now set to be offered in Luxembourg by the non-profit organisation Family Centre (Familljen-Center).
The course is designed for separated parents – before, during, or after a divorce – who are no longer living together. One important ground rule: both parents cannot attend the same group and must register separately.
John Weber, head of the Familljen-Center, explains: “Each group is limited to eight participants and spans seven sessions of three hours each. Courses will be available in Luxembourgish, German, and French. Starting in late November, an online version of the course will also be offered. The course offers parents the opportunity to share experiences with others living a similar situation.”
The programme is part of a wider support system for separated families in Luxembourg. The Familljen-Center runs the initiative in close cooperation with other services, such as the family counselling service AFP-Solidarité-Famille, which also offers the course ‘Children out of trouble’ (‘Kinder aus der Klemme’) for families navigating high-conflict separations.
Parents who sign up for Kinder im Blick will also receive guidance on additional support and counselling options available across the country. Online registration for upcoming sessions will open on the Familljen-Center website starting in September.
