Children in Between Online Demo

The Children In Between course offers a structured and in-depth approach to help parents navigate the complexities of divorce and separation. The course is divided into several modules, each designed to address different aspects of co-parenting. The course focuses strongly on reducing loyalty binds in children, the most damaging aspect of divorce and separation.

An happy joyful father having fun with is child

For more than thirty years, The Center for Divorce Education has been dedicated to helping parents and children deal with the difficult process of divorce and separation. Our parenting class "Children in Between Online" has been chosen by some of the largest counties throughout the United States as meeting court parenting education requirements. Based on our extensive research, we have developed highly effective methods for reducing the stress of divorce and separation for all parties. Our interactive, skills-based approach has been recognized by experts among the top programs being offered today.

Module Highlights:

The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including effective communication strategies, managing emotional responses, and practical tips for creating a stable environment for children amid the changes.

Interactive Learning

The course utilizes a mix of interactive tools like role-playing scenarios, quizzes, and reflection exercises, making the learning experience both engaging and effective. A very strong instructional design makes the material and skills memorable.

In-Depth Resources

Every module provides a wealth of resources, including expert articles, case studies, and best practices, ensuring that parents have access to comprehensive information to help them through this challenging period.

Resources for Courts

To view the Course Background and Description booklet, specifically designed for Court Officials, click HERE.

Legal Introduction

Overview of the legal aspects surrounding divorce and separation, particularly focusing on how these processes affect children and co-parenting dynamics. The video outlines parents' legal responsibilities, the importance of legal documentation such as custody agreements, and the impact of court decisions on family life. It emphasizes the necessity of understanding legal rights and obligations to protect the well-being of children during and after the divorce process.

Workbooks

The Children in Between guidebook addresses the scenarios in the program where children are caught in parental conflicts, teaching effective communication and conflict resolution skills.

What About the Children? provides an in-depth examination of the impacts of parental separation on children and offers practical advice to help them grow up healthy and well-adjusted.

Both workbooks emphasize the importance of reducing conflict, improving communication, and ensuring children's safety and emotional well-being during and after the separation process.

Guided Questions & Quizzes

Chapter 1: Carrying Messages

Divorced parents usually try to avoid talking to each other. They may be tempted to have the children do their talking for them. This creates a problem for children because many of the messages they are asked to deliver are difficult and usually cause an unpleasant reaction in the other parent. Children then feel torn between the parents, responsible for what happens next, guilty for upsetting a parent, and generally unhappy and resentful about being the messenger.

Chapter 2: Put Downs

For most couples, divorce or separation occurs because at least one of the partners is very hurt, angry, or disappointed. A combative divorce process makes these strong negative emotions even worse. Parents often "trash" one another. There is a powerful urge to let others know how much the parent has been hurt or wronged and to complain about how thoughtless or mean the co-parent is. A parent may seek revenge or an outlet for his or her frustrations.

Chapter 3: Money Problems

After divorce or separation, money usually becomes tighter for both parents. During the time parents lived together, arguments occurred most often over how each parent spent or saved money. After separating, this issue is still ripe for disagreements. Since parents are still linked through child support and other expenses arising from having children, they can never really be free of each other until the children are grown, and often are linked together even long afterward.

Chapter 4: Questioning

When children spend time with each parent in two different homes after a separation, both parents have a right to have certain information about the children's life in the other home. This is particularly true regarding school, doctor and dentist visits, clothing needs, special outings, and the children's general well-being and adjustment to their new lives. Sometimes, however, the children may be a tempting source of information about the other parent's life that may not be appropriate. The children should not be placed in the role of reporting about these private issues. Children may feel uneasy if they are asked about their other parent's private life. They may feel they are being asked to violate the other parent's trust and privacy.

Chapter 5: Never Married Parents

There has been a real shift in the relationships of parents who come to court over their children. It used to be that most divorcing or separating parents were in a traditional relationship with a man and a woman who were married. Now, many of these parents are not married to each other. Some parents have lived together—and raised their children together— for many years. They may be same-sex couples who did not have the option to marry or people who simply chose not to marry for other reasons. Some parents have had just a few years of raising their children together, and others have never lived together and have no experience with co-parenting.

Conclusion

Encapsulates the key points and final thoughts of the program, emphasizing the importance of applying what has been learned to improve co-parenting and mitigate the negative effects of divorce on children. This section reiterates the benefits of effective communication, understanding the emotional impact on children, and utilizing the skills and strategies discussed throughout the program to foster a healthier family dynamic post-divorce.

Lesson: Reducing Your Stress

This lesson focuses on techniques to help parents manage and reduce stress during and after separation or divorce. The animation illustrates practical strategies such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and time management tips. It highlights the importance of self-care and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to better cope with the emotional challenges of co-parenting. By effectively managing their stress, parents can improve their interactions with their children and co-parent, creating a more stable and supportive environment for their family.

Lesson: How Your Mind Works

This lesson explains how thoughts and emotions influence behaviors, particularly during stressful situations such as divorce or separation. It illustrates cognitive-behavioral concepts, helping parents understand how their mental processes can affect their reactions and interactions. The video emphasizes the importance of recognizing negative thought patterns and offers strategies for reframing these thoughts to improve emotional regulation and communication. By changing their thought processes, parents can better manage their emotions and reduce conflict, creating a more positive environment for their children.

Thinking About Your Divorce or Separation

The Consequences of Divorce: Divorce is a decision with lifetime consequences. It's often chosen when couples feel they cannot solve their problems by staying married. However, divorce can create new conflicts and negatively impact children.
Reconciliation Considerations: Doherty highlights the importance of considering other solutions to marital problems that could keep the marriage and family intact. He notes that divorce proceedings can exacerbate negative feelings and conflicts.
Impact on Children: Children of divorce are at higher risk for various issues, including behavior problems, depression, school failure, and substance abuse. Doherty emphasizes that while children can grow up successfully after a divorce, their path is often more challenging.
Regrets and Reconciliation Interest: Research shows that a significant number of divorced individuals regret their decision. Many believe their divorce could have been prevented with more effort. In some cases, couples in the process of divorce express interest in reconciliation services.
Discernment Counseling: Doherty introduces discernment counseling, a specialized form of help for couples on the brink of divorce. This counseling helps couples understand their marital issues and explore options for reconciliation versus proceeding with the divorce.

Visit CDE's Learning Center for more information!

Learning Center

Should Co-Parents Spend Time Together?

A family sitting on the couch learning about healthy co-parenting

How To Craft a Healthy Co-Parenting Plan

A man and woman with arms crossed on a couch due to one of the top 3 reasons for divorce

The Top 3 Reasons for Divorce
and How Co-Parenting Can Still Succeed After the Split

Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster:
Impacts of Divorce and Mental Health

Identifying High Conflict Family Law Cases: A Guide for Judges and Attorneys

How to Tell Kids About Your Divorce:
A Guide to Handling This Sensitive Conversation

5 Things to Look for in a Co-Parenting Class

Need referral cards to hand out to parents?

CLICK HERE TO ORDER FREE REFERRAL CARDS

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PDF VERSIONS

CDE's Children in Between is a skills based program that helps children and parents deal with the children's reactions to divorce. This is the most highly recommended online parenting class in the United States.

The program is based on research that identifies the most common and stressful loyalty conflicts experienced by children of divorce.

*Included in SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices

Privacy Statement