Parents never take the decision to divorce lightly. They worry about how it will impact their family, their life and most of all, their children.
Helping children to understand this decision on top of determining a child custody arrangement can be challenging for any parent. The idea of single parenting and splitting time with the kids is new territory for the whole family.
That is one of the reasons why some divorcing parents might have to participate in a parent education seminar.
A seminar might be required in some cases
Under Maryland law, family courts might require parents to attend a seminar if they face a dispute or conflict regarding:
- Child custody
- Visitation
- Child support
This rule does not necessarily mean that all parents seeking a divorce will have to attend a court-approved seminar in their county. These classes are usually reserved for situations involving high-conflict or disagreement. However, parents should know that it is a possibility that they will have to fulfill this requirement before they can finalize their divorce.
What will this seminar cover?
These sessions will cover many topics to help parents navigate the changes a divorce will bring. They particularly focus on children, and will discuss:
- How divorce impacts both children and parents
- How the effects of divorce differ for children at different ages
- How the parent-child relationship might change during and after divorce
- How parents can establish rules and approach discipline in two households
- How parents can help children with the transition between households
The courses will also concentrate on helping parents adjust their parenting strategies to meet the child’s needs – and adhere to the new co-parenting plan – after divorce. For example, the professionals who provide this seminar will also help parents to develop skills for communication, problem-solving and conflict-resolution.
These parenting education seminars are not meant to shame parents who seek a divorce. They are a resource to help families handle the transition and changes of divorce effectively.
