Do you have a 4-8 year old? Take part in new research study of separated parents 

 A research team at the University of Edinburgh is conducting a ‘Parenting after divorce or separation study’ to explore family life and children’s wellbeing in different post-separation parenting arrangements. 

Despite the growing number of parents sharing care (for example, 2-3 days a week, alternating weeks), very little UK research has been done which looks at family relationships and child wellbeing in these arrangements. This study aims to increase understanding of family life, provide co-parenting families with a chance to learn about other families in similar situations and inform policy and practice. 

 The study is looking to recruit parents of 4 – 8 year olds who: 

• Have regular contact with their child(ren) and co-parent with their child’s other parent 

• Do not have a court-ordered child arrangement  

• Have been separated for at least six months 

• Are comfortable taking part in English 

• Live in Scotland or England 

 What will you do? 

• An online interview about your co-parenting journey 

• A survey on family life, your wellbeing and child development 

• Children are also invited to take part if they wish to – we have a game for you and your child and some fun picture and story-telling activities for your child 

 As a thank you for your time, parents and children will receive a gift voucher. Participation is confidential and does not require all family members to take part. 

University of Edinburgh Researcher Sarah Foley explains more about the research:

Gingerbread Research Manager Naomi Harflett says:

‘We’re pleased to share this survey with our single-parent audience, to help increase understanding of how co-parenting works in practice.’

If you’re interested in being involved or would like to hear more about the study, you can sign up here

To find out more, or if you’ve any questions about the research, you can email Dr Sarah Foley who is leading the study: sarah.foley@ed.ac.uk. 

The study is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and has received ethical approval from the Moray House School of Education and Sport Ethics Committee.