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doudourag

Since time began, security blankets and soft toys have been the bane of most parents' existence. The dependance and comfort a child gets from this attachment has long been studied by doctors, scientists, psychologists, and psychiatrists! They refer to them as transitional psychological supports that give concrete emotional reassurance. Yes, on one hand, there are real advantages; on the other, tantrums and stress when they are lost, missing, in the wash, or tattered to the point of no return can be disturbing. A beloved stuffed animal, a soft edged blanket, or a scrap of fabric that is unrecognizable to the average beholder is a must-have accessory in the sight of the youngster!

In English, the proper names and synonyms are often altered by the child but start off as:

  • blankie
  • softie
  • comfie

In French, they fall under the following appellations:

  • doudou
  • toutou
  • nin-nin
  • peluche

Of course, these names are often renamed by the child.

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We were recently contacted by Carla M. Zilli and Mélanie Svalander who launched a divorce consulting service, or divorce coaching, providing emotional and practical support. We sent them a few questions after two women sent us these following recommendations this January:

"I worked with SPARQ and they provided me with the knowledge and clarity that I needed to navigate a very challenging time in my life. They helped me stay focused, manage (and reduce) conflict and in the end they helped me make decisions that protected my emotional well-being. A very rewarding experience."

"My lawyer recommended SPARQ, and I’m so grateful I chose to work with them. My husband had walked out on me, and my life felt like a complete mess. The confusion and shock were beyond words. SPARQ provided me with a sense of direction, helping me set realistic goals and actionable plans. Divorce can feel overwhelming, but talking to a caring professional helped me move forward. I highly recommend Sparq Divorce Consultants. Their wealth of life experience, coupled with their understanding and empathetic approach, makes them exceptional at listening and guiding you throughout the journey."

What languages do you speak?
Carla is Italian and Dutch, with experience in the legal field, while Mélanie is Swiss and Swedish, with expertise in the communication field. Fluent in English, French, Dutch, Italian and Spanish, we use a multilingual and multicultural approach to help clients from diverse backgrounds navigate challenges effectively.

Why did you start?
We both experienced divorce in Switzerland (one as an expat and one as a Swiss citizen) and found ourselves completely lost as we tried to navigate the complexities of the process. While we had good legal counsel, we quickly realised that divorce extends far beyond legal advice — it touches every part of life, from our children and health to our careers, finances, and living arrangements. It even impacted our sense of identity and future aspirations.

new whattodo iconKnow-it-all's WHAT TO DO in the area. LISA’S PICK OF THE WEEK (6-12 January 2025). More events are listed on the website www.knowitall.ch under our CALENDARS. Please give credit to ©Know-it-all passport® for putting this info together if you forward it or use it in a newsletter of any kind. Thank you.
 
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