As an experienced divorce lawyer practicing on Long Island, I have seen that many children experience emotional difficulty when learning about and adjusting to their parents’ divorce. Although many of the legal parenting issues can be worked out in divorce mediation and in the divorce or separation agreement, there are often many barriers and challenges that await families once the divorce or separation is finalized.

We understand these challenges and encourages our clients to seek the support they need in order move forward with their lives in a way that is best for the family, and especially for the children. One of the things that we suggest is attending co-parenting classes, even when they are not ordered by a court.

Co-parenting Classes Can Help You Help Your Children 

As many families struggle to transition with their children into their new lives post-divorce, many parents are learning the benefits of attending co-parenting classes or co-parenting counseling in order to ensure they do their best by their children. In fact, in some states, co-parenting classes are even required by courts for parents who divorce. These co-parenting classes can help parents learn to deal with their own feelings about their divorce and former spouse or partner, and learn how to help their children adapt and thrive in the new family arrangement.

Research has shown that there are increased mental and physical health issues in children of divorce, including depression, anxiety and even substance abuse. The hope is that successful co-parenting will aid in the prevention of these issues. It is no exaggeration to say that parents must learn to communicate, collaborate and actually co-parent with one another for the sake of their children.

Co-parenting Classes Help Parents Put their Children’s Needs First

Co-parenting classes can help parents to put their children’s needs first despite their own difficulty with the divorce. The classes also help to teach communication and conflict resolution skills, and foster a renewed sensitivity to the effect of the divorce on the children. Parents can learn how to better accept responsibility for their own actions and emotions, and how to move forward with the new family dynamics in the best possible light.

Co-Parenting Classes cover a variety of topics, including:

• The emotional impact of divorce on children
• The behavioral impact of divorce on children, such as how your child’s behavior might change as a result of the stress.
• Parenting issues specifically related to specific developmental stages in a child’s life
• Other indicators of stress in children
• Managing conflict within the family
• The development of the Co-Parenting relationship
• Managing the financial responsibilities of co-parenting
• Education about family violence and/or domestic abuse
• Child abuse and neglect
• Available community resources and services

How to Get Your Ex to Participate in Co-Parenting

If the other parent is resistant or refusing to participate, you might remind them of the ways in which the classes can help. They can ultimately reduce your child’s stress, reduce your conflict with the other parent, create a calmer home environment, and reduce the likelihood of emotional and behavioral problems for your child. You might start with the approach of explaining to your former partner that the classes are at the very least worth a try, even if there is just a small chance they will help your child in the long run. Your divorce mediator can also assist you with talking to your former partner about this option, and tips for bringing up the subject. You can also attend parenting classes on your own, which could also bring great benefit to your own stress level as well as your children’s.

Seek Help from an Experienced Long Island Divorce Lawyer and Mediator

The attorneys at the Law Firm of Hornberger Verbitsky, P.C. are aware that divorce can be very difficult for parents and children. Our divorce mediators and divorce lawyers are committed to serving Nassau County and Suffolk County residents going through divorce, and helping them to resolve their conflicts in the most efficient way possible. Contact our office today at 631-923-1910 for a free consultation.