What is your name & what do you do?
Jo – owner of NeoYou. ‘Neo’ means New hence our motto NeoYou: New You, New Life.
NeoYou was created from my own life experience of divorce. When I was going through my divorce I didn’t actual have someone to talk to, yes, I had my friends but they couldn’t understand what I was going through. With the clients I now have they have said to me time and time again they said, “I wish I had found you sooner’. They said they didn’t want the added stress on their family or friends, or even making their friends think they need to take sides. My clients confide in me in all aspects which, I am able to give them advice they require through their journey whether referring them to a mortgage broker, real estate agents, accountants, etc. I take the time to check in with them to make sure they are going ok whether it is two years on, from when they started their journey.
The other reason NeoYou was form was because after I had gone through my own divorce and journey my friends or their friends started to go through theirs and because the same questions were asked I decided to create the NeoYou website so they could go on line and find the answers they needed or send me an email day or night to contact me when they are having trouble sleeping.
I wanted NeoYou to be unique. I wanted NeoYou to accompany these clients whilst they go on their journey. I wanted NeoYou to change the client’s mindset and let NeoYou inspire, empower, reinvent to re-energise them and to come through their journey a NeoYou: New You New Life. My website is www.neoyou.life
How long have you been separated for?
I have been apart from my Ex for 5 years now in that time was the 12 month separation and we are divorce.
How many children do you have?
3 amazing children.
How old are your children?
Boy 13, girl 12, boy 9
Was the decision to separate a mutual decision between you and your ex?
No there wasn’t a mutual decision between us. In fact it was my decision to leave him.
Did you have to get lawyers involved following your separation or were you able to work everything out between you?
At first we were going to keep the lawyers out of it unfortunately things became nasty especially with property settlement so mediation and lawyers were required.
Looking back on your separation would you do anything differently?
No I believe I did the right thing and I was always completely honest with my children with why I made the decision and made clear that they knew I was the one who filed for divorce.
Did the separation have any significant impact/s on your children?
Absolutely, I think it did more so on the older two children. With their behaviour etc.
Did the separation have any impact on your relationship with your children at the time? If so how?
To be honest I made a decision not to let the children know the full version of why I left their father. Once the children were that bit older I was able to explain it to them for the full reason why I left and with doing that it has bought us even closer together.
Did you ever engage the services of a Counsellor or Psychologist to help you or your children through the separation process? If so do you feel it was beneficial to you or your children?
My children did see school counsellors and also psychologist. I do believe it helped in its own way.
What is your relationship with your ex like now?
We only communicate through text or email. So really not good.
What is your relationship with your children like now?
My children are so loving to me it is amazing especially the boys who are extremely protective of me.
If you could give one piece of advice to parents going through separation regarding their children what would it be?
Be totally honest with your children; and never ever say nasty things about the other parent to the children. No matter how you feel you must show to the children you are the better person. Being nasty about your ex in front of your children will slowly destroy the relationship you have with your children. I never ever say no to my children calling their father whenever they want, even though he doesn’t allow it when they are with him.