When parents engage in mediation to resolve conflicts, it is important to consider the role of their children in the process. Children can be directly impacted by the decisions made during mediation, so it is crucial to determine when and how to include them in the discussions. In this course, we will explore the factors to consider when deciding whether and how to involve children in the mediation process, including:

• The four Ws (who, why, whether, and what) to consider when determining if it is appropriate to involve a child in the process;
• The child's age and developmental level;
• The emotional impact that involving a child in mediation may have on them; and
• Creative ways to give children a voice at the table while also protecting them from becoming enmeshed in the conflict.