Parent to Parent: Divorce class

It's a class no parent expects to attend, but unfortunately, it's the reality for many couples.

Hon. Evelyn Frazee, Program Chair
"The purpose of our parent education and awareness program is to educate parents about the impact of their divorce or separation on their children."

The class is often court ordered, or court recommended for divorcing couples.

Ingrid, who's raising a toddler, says it's been a tremendous help.

Ingrid Reyes, parent
"They'll address the feelings that you're feeling at the moment. Because no one will call you out and say you're feeling a lot of bitterness and that's not good for your child."

Yvonne, the mother of a 10-year-old son, was going through a rough divorce. She signed up for the class, but was skeptical.

Yvonne Williams, parent
"Because the first thing that came to mind was being a mother for 28 years, why should I take a class. What are they gonna tell me that I don't know already."

Both mothers learned a lot. Most importantly, how hard divorce is on the children.

Ingrid Reyes, parent
"You don't have to say much for them to sense the tension in the room."

Yvonne Williams, parent
"Because things they might hear, they might not talk about it, but it's affecting them. The same way it's affecting us, it's affecting them also."

The program focuses on three simple things:

You: how to take care of yourself first, so you're a good mother or father,

Your children: how to listen to them and give them the support they need.

And the other parent: how to communicate and keep the kids out of conflicts between the two of you.

Ingrid Reyes, parent
"I loved the class. I loved it. It's an excellent class."

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