Parenting Classes

Parenting Classes After Divorce

Divorce is stressful for everyone involved, but especially the children. Many children feel confused after the dissolution of their parents' marriage, wondering if they were to blame. Others become fearful, thinking the parents may decide to divorce the child as well. Add to that the emotional trauma of being pulled in two separate directions by parents who once loved each other, and the stress becomes unbearable. It is important for parents to learn new parenting techniques after divorce or separation. Sometimes the classes are mandatory-- some courts require parenting instruction as part of the divorce decree and custody agreement. Whether court ordered or voluntary, parenting classes after divorce can teach parents:

• To be understanding of the child's emotional distress.
• To effectively deal with stress-related behavior problems
• To communicate with the ex-spouse in a positive way
• To avoid "putting the child in the middle"
• To help the child deal with insecurity
• To approach dating and subsequent relationships in a way that will not harm the child.

Dealing with Disabilities

Raising children with disabilities, handicaps, or special needs creates unique challenges for parents. Parents of a newly diagnosed child often go through stages of emotions similar to those encountering death: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance. The problem is, we still have to parent as we're going through this whirlwind of emotions. We must also become advocates for our children, ensuring that they get the best medical care and the best education possible. It can be overwhelming at best. Parents in these circumstances definitely benefit greatly from special needs classes. These courses will vary by city, but can often be found:

• Through local school districts
• Through children's hospitals
• Through special needs support groups
• Through disability-specific organizations

Anger Management

Some parents need to learn new stress- and anger-management techniques. Let's face it, we live in a stressful, fast-paced time. Between dealing with work pressures, stresses at home, and the rigors of parenting, even the best parents lose their cool sometimes. However, some parents take it too far. Signs that you should consider anger-management parenting classes include:

• Frequently screaming at the kids
• Feeling out of control
• Thinking of harming the kids
• Using name-calling or curse words with your children
• Kicking, hitting, biting, or pulling hair
• Saying hurtful things like, "I wish you had never been born."

These classes can help parents find effective outlets for stress. They also teach positive, non-punitive forms of discipline and behavior adjustment. Chances are, you know whether or not you need assistance. There is no shame in asking for help; the shame is in not asking.

Finding a Class

You can find out about parenting classes in your local Yellow Pages. You can also locate a class through:

• Friend and family recommendation
• The local school district
• Physician referral
• Family court
• Community center
• Special interest groups
• Churches and other religious organizations

Online Parenting Classes

Like most things today, parenting classes can be completed in the comfort of your home, on your computer. Any online search will reveal countless courses, but here are just a few:

• Family Matters Online Parenting Classes. Family Matters provides low cost, Court-approved, online parenting classes for separating, divorcing, and remarrying families in transition. The courses have been adapted for online presentation from the Parents Forever™ program, a research-based program designed and tested by educators at the University of Minnesota. Certificate of completion is emailed to participants immediately upon completion of the course.
• Positive Parenting Through Divorce. Court-approved classes for parents going through divorce.
• Life Matters. Classes in non-corporal discipline.
• Parenting Online. Offers live, realtime online classes and telephone consultations.
• Children and Adults with ADHD. Offers support groups and online classes for parents of children with ADD/ADHD.
• Putting Kids First. Court-approved classes offering a certificate of completion.