Parenting Classes for Divorce

The non-profit Conflict Resolution Center in Roanoke, Virginia has just offered parenting classes for divorce that targets parents with children who are going through a divorce. The program, called "For Kids Sake" focuses on the problems that children of divorce face.

The parenting classes for divorce are court approved and are $40 per enrolled person. for the 4 hour class. Many parents are at a loss when it comes to dealing with the children and helping them to adjust to the new family situation. The main thrust of the class is in helping to teach parents how to communicate with their kids in a way that will avoid emotionally scarring them. You can find more about their program at Conflict Resolution Center.

The children of divorced parents often experience self-esteem problems and are extremely emotionally vulnerable. Their stable world has just been destroyed and they need all the help they can to regain their bearings. Parents playing custody games or other emotional games can unintentionally stung their child's development for years.

Virginia is not the only state with institutions offering a divorce parenting class. Many states believe that the mental health of the child is so important that divorced parents are required to enroll in divorce classes and receive a Certificate of Completion. Some states allow the course to be taken online.

A large portion of the course is based on Wisconsin's Children's Bill of Rights which mandates for the child:

1. The right to be treated as important human beings, with unique feelings, ideas, and desires and not as a source of argument between parents.

2. The right to a continuing relationship with both parents and the freedom to receive love and express love for both.

3. The right to love, care, discipline, and protection from both parents.
   
4. The right to not chose sides or be asked to decide where they want to live.
   
5. The right to express their feelings about the divorce, such as anger, sadness or fear.

6. The right to a positive and constructive ongoing relationship with each parent.

7. The right to not make adult decisions.

8. The right to remain a child, without being asked to take on parental responsibilities or be an adult companion or friend to parents.

9. The right to the most adequate level of economic support that can be provided by the best efforts of both parents.

10. The right to not participate in the painful games parents play to hurt each other or be put in the middle of their battles.

As it turns out, these rules taught in parenting divorce classes are good rules for all parents to follow, even those who are not going through a divorce.

Divorce Property Agreement Shocker - No One Wants the House
In what is a novel twist for divorce property settlements, more and more individuals going through a divorce are seeking ways to structure the divorce property agreement so that they DON'T end up with the home.