Parenting Apart:  Effective Co-Parenting
Shelly Barnes, FCS Extension Agent
(615) 444-9584

Tennessee has one of the highest divorce rates in the United States.  Because divorce is so common, it may seem like adjustment to divorce has become easier for everyone involved.  In reality, divorce is hard for all family members, especially children.  Because of concerns about the negative impact of divorce on children, the Tennessee State Legislature passed a law requiring divorcing parents of minor children to attend a parent education program.

Topics Covered
Facts about divorce
Dealing with stress
How children react to divorce
Positive communication skills
Helping children get through divorce
Keeping children out of the middle of conflicts
The family after divorce
The processes of divorce and mediation
Domestic violence and divorce

Classes include group discussion, the viewing of videos and lecture.  Each participant will receive a abooklet about parenting through divorce and a list of local resources.  The classes are taught by Extension Family and Consumer Sciences agents who have either a bachelor's or master's degree in Family and Consumer Sciences and have training in issues related to children and families.

For registration:
All classes take place on Tuesday from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Pre-registered classes are $30
Payment at the door is $40
Participants who choose to pay at the door must call no later then the Friday before the class to make sure the class is meeting.
A minimum of 5 people is required to attend.
Classes will be held at the Wilson County Extension Office unless otherwise noted
Dates are subject to change due to scheduling or low class enrollment.

Divorcing spouses may NOT take class together

2008 Schedule:
July 29
September 30

For more information please contact:
Shelly Barnes, FCS Extension Agent
UT/Wilson County Extension Service
925 East Baddour Parkway, Suite 100
Lebanon, TN 37087
Phone:  (615) 444-9584
E-mail:  snphillips@utk.edu