The Divorce Collective
Tune in as Head of Family Law at Collective Family Law Group and Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner, Dannielle Young guides you through your separation and divorce by sharing strategies, legal insights and tips to help you move on faster.
Having helped thousands of people through divorce and also drawing on her own experiences being in the family law and relationship space for almost 2 decades, Dannielle shares her expertise in 6-minute, easy to listen to bursts to help you navigate separation.
Dannielle is the Head of Family Law at Collective Family Law Group. It is a Family Law Practice based in Australia that focuses on making this transition as easy as possible for people going through the various stages of separation and divorce.
Dannielle is also the Director of Dannielle Young Mediations, where she expands on her passion to keep couples and families out of the Court system through Mediation.
Tune on into the weekly podcast or head over to https://collectivefamilylaw.com.au for helpful resources.
The Divorce Collective
Helping Kids Through Separation Anxiety During Family Transitions (EP.132)
When families go through separation or major change, children often feel it long before they can express it. Their emotions show up in behaviours not sentences and for many parents, this can be confusing, overwhelming, or even heartbreaking.
In this episode, Dannielle Young, breaks down the emotional realities children face during parental separation and offers supportive, practical guidance for families navigating this transition.
Dannielle shares real examples from her work with families, discussing how different age groups respond to change and what signs of separation anxiety may look like at each childhood stage. From toddlers suddenly becoming clingy, to primary-aged children experiencing physical symptoms like headaches or tummy aches, to teens withdrawing or feeling pressured to take sides — these behaviours have meaning.
💛 In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How separation anxiety can vary based on age and developmental stage
- The common emotional and behavioural signs parents should be aware of
- Why children absorb the emotional atmosphere between parents, even when nothing is said
- How predictable routines help rebuild feelings of safety and consistency
- Age-appropriate ways to talk to children about changes in the family structure
- Simple rituals that make transitions between homes calmer and more secure
- How to model healthy emotional regulation (even when you’re struggling too)
- When it's time to seek external support such as counselling, support groups, or school wellbeing teams
- How mediation and a clear parenting plan can reduce stress and provide stability for children
This episode is here to remind parents that children don’t need perfection — they need presence, reassurance, and stability. Dannielle offers compassionate, practical tools to help you navigate this chapter with confidence and care.
If you’re currently going through separation or adjusting to co-parenting life, this conversation offers guidance, understanding, and hope.
💬 If this episode supported you, please follow, share, or leave a review to help more families access resources during difficult transitions.