Did you know that 43% of first marriages in America will end in divorce? In many circumstances, this is the best solution for everyone (including the kids). Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions in our society about keeping the nuclear family together. When considering divorce, parents should ask themselves if the atmosphere at home is unhealthy because the parents are not communicating or have a distant relationship. Are you so angry or depressed in your marriage that you are not parenting to your best ability? Or are you and your spouse being poor role models because you are disrespectful and disinterested in each other? Divorce doesn’t necessarily mean that your children will be harmed or have life-long problems. Parents just need to learn how to handle this change of events in the best interest of the kids.
This is where co-parenting classes come in. After over three decades of increases in divorce rates, there is enough research to support the fact that such classes are an essential part of the process. Parents learn that most divorces can be successfully arranged so that the stress is relieved for everyone and the two separate and happier households are formed. It may take patience to develop, but it’s in everyone’s best interest if the two parents can learn to work together and are in sync with how to raise the kids.
Co-parenting classes discuss issues that divorcing parents have to face and remind them not to put the children in the middle of their disputes, be good role models, not to speak poorly of the other parent, and to reassure them that the breakdown in your marriage is not their fault! All of this combined with learning more about how to set strong boundaries, how to listen empathetically to your children, positive reinforcement, building their self-esteem and feeling of safety, and stress management skills work together to create the best possible environment for this life change.
Many judges today realize that enforcing a mandatory class can add more stress to the situation. A traditional classroom setting pulls parents away from the family and work during a time which they are trying to juggle a new and different schedule. Therefore, online 6 hour co-parenting classes have become increasingly popular with the judge’s prior approval. Online classes enable each parent to take the same course but from their own Internet based computer devices. This way they are learning the same material but from the convenience of home instead of having to get to a classroom. Online classes are self-paced and available 24/7, so parents can enter and exit the class whenever they have free time. Once the caregiver enrolls, the class becomes available to read through on the screen in front of them. There are no workbooks and nothing to print out.
When sourcing classes, be sure to go with one that is designed by a licensed and practicing family therapist. Also look for an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a good customer service helpline in case any questions arise. At the end of the program, a Certificate of Completion is sent in the mail, just like you would receive in a traditional classroom. This is the documentation that the judge is looking for to prove the class was successfully finished.
Online co-parenting classes are perfect for busy divorcing parents during this major life change.