Giving Kids a Voice: Despina Mavridou on Divorce and it's Emotional Toll
I sit down with Despina Mavridou, author of "Mum, Dad, Can You Hear Me?", about her personal experience growing up in the middle of her parents’ high-conflict divorce. Despina shares her powerful story from being a child used as a messenger between her parents to becoming a mediator and advocate for kids in similar situations.
Key discussions:
- Despina opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of being caught in her parents' conflict and the toll it took on her as a child.
- The devastating effects of using children as messengers and the impact it has on their sense of responsibility and guilt.
- How parents can better support their children during separation by being mindful of their emotional needs and avoiding placing them in the middle of conflicts.
- Despina shares how her childhood shaped her adult relationships, including her fear of abandonment and the impact of divorce on her own marriage.
- Practical advice for parents navigating separation, including seeking help before mediation and focusing on the kids’ well-being.
- Despina’s hope that her book will give children a voice and help parents understand the long-lasting effects of divorce on their kids.
If you're navigating your own separation and wondering how to help your children through this difficult time, this conversation is a must-listen.
You can find Despina's book *Mum, Dad, Can You Hear Me?* on Amazon, in English, Portuguese, and Greek.
Resources:
- "Mum, Dad, Can You Hear Me?" by Despina Mavridou
- Divorce and Separation Hub: www.divorceandseparationhub.com
Host: Nikki Parkinson, TEDx Speaker, Divorce Doula, Coach and Founder of The Divorce and Separation Hub.
Connect with Nikki Parkinson here
Join our Divorce and Separation community HERE.
Sign up to "How to Tell Your Kids You're Separating Program" HERE.
Watch Nikki's TEDx Talk HERE.
Guest: Despina Mavridou
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Buy "Mum, Dad, Can you Hear Me?" HERE.
Executive Producer and Editor: Tiffany Richmond. You can contact Tiffany via her website and on Instagram @tiff__richmond.