Parenting is a challenging and rewarding experience, but it becomes more complicated when parents decide to separate or divorce. The changes and disruptions that come with the end of a relationship can have a significant impact on children's emotional well-being and development. That's why parents need access to resources that can help them navigate the complexities of co-parenting after separation. Statistics on parenting classes show that these programs can be highly effective in promoting positive outcomes for parents and children.
For divorcing and separating parents, classes can be especially valuable, as they offer guidance at a transitional period, offering the skills and knowledge needed to co-parent effectively. These classes are designed to provide parents with practical advice and guidance on minimizing conflict, communicating effectively and creating a stable and nurturing environment for their children.
In this article, we will explore some statistics on parenting classes, including those we offer at The Center for Divorce Education, and their effectiveness in helping divorcing and separating parents. We will also discuss factors for determining the best online parenting classes available and show why our courses stand out.
Parenting Class Statistics & Research
Parenting classes for divorcing/separating parents have become both necessary and mandatory — for good reason. Studies and statistics on parenting classes have shown that they can reduce conflict and improve co-parenting relationships, leading to better outcomes for children.
Various studies conducted on our Children in Between programs, and similar divorce education programs for parents like Children in the Middle, have confirmed their effectiveness. One study by Christina L. Collins and Robert J. Fetsch found that Children in the Middle meets all evaluation criteria for an evidence and research-based program. Another study by Lynelle Gillard and Associate Professor Fred Seymour found that their pilot Children in the Middle program showed an increase in parent knowledge about the impact of separation on children, an improvement in children's behavior and well-being and a reduction in parental acrimony, concluding that the evidence supports the widespread implementation of such classes.
In Arbuthnot and Gordon's study on court-ordered parenting education, statistics showed that those who attended within three weeks of court filing had only a 12.5% relitigation rate, while it was closer to 60% for those who attended later or not at all. The group that attended classes sooner also spent less time with attorneys — and less money on the divorce. They were even more likely to encourage their children to love the other parent. Arbuthnot and Gordon concluded that parenting classes should be mandated early in the divorce process to improve communication and cooperation.
Some studies have also addressed whether the best parenting classes are those conducted in person or online. According to the research done by Don Gordon and Lisa R. Horwitch, evidence shows that online parenting classes are at least as effective as in-person classes. When this research was published (2013), The Center for Divorce Education's Children in Between Online class was the only divorce-oriented program that had been studied, so further research will need to back up these preliminary findings. However, the evidence is strong enough to support the claim that online classes are equally effective.
Determining the Best Online Parenting Classes
Parenting classes are crucial for parents who are divorcing or separating to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills to handle co-parenting effectively. The best online parenting classes offer numerous benefits, including:
- Convenience
- Accessibility (from anywhere)
- Availability (often 24/7)
- Flexibility
Flexibility is crucial, enabling parents to participate in the course at a time that works best for them. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for parents who have busy schedules and may be unable to attend in-person classes.
Compare to Decide on the Best Parenting Classes for You
While many online parenting classes are available, not all are created equal. It is essential to compare different options to choose the best parenting classes for your needs. Some factors to consider include the following:
- Course content
- Cost
- User feedback
- Evidence-based curriculum
Why The Center for Divorce Education Has the Best Online Parenting Classes
The Center for Divorce Education is a leader in providing quality online parenting classes. Our courses are evidence-based, led by experienced professionals and court-approved in most states. Additionally, the lessons are self-paced and accessible 24/7 across 30 days, allowing parents to complete them at their own pace.
Children in Between Online is one of the best online parenting classes to help those going through the pain of divorce. It is a four-hour court-mandated co-parenting course completed 100% online that helps parents learn how to co-parent effectively and reduce conflict. The program includes video instruction, quizzes and interactive exercises that provide parents with practical skills they can use in their daily lives.
What Makes The Center for Divorce Education's Parenting Classes the Right Choice?
Statistics on parenting classes show that they are an essential part of the divorce process, but it is important to choose the right course. The Center for Divorce Education offers high-quality programs that are evidence-based, court-approved and recommended by parents. To dive into more detail, here are the key value propositions of The Center for Divorce Education classes:
- Quality: The Center for Divorce Education's programs are evidence-based and constructed by experienced professionals. All courses are developed by experts in family psychology and designed to help families manage the challenges of divorce or separation. Classes are based on the latest research and best practices in the field, ensuring that participants receive the most up-to-date and practical guidance.
- Flexibility: Classes are available online and can be taken anytime, anywhere. The Center for Divorce Education recognizes that parents have busy schedules and that attending in-person classes can be challenging. That's why all courses are available online, so parents can learn at their own pace and on their own schedule.
- Court Approval: The Center for Divorce Education's classes are court-approved in most states. This means that parents who take our classes can be confident that they are meeting their legal obligations and doing everything they can to support their children during this difficult time.
- Recommended by Parents: The positive feedback from parents who have taken our courses is a testament to their quality. Many parents have found the classes extremely helpful in managing the challenges of co-parenting and ensuring their children's needs are met.
- Instant Certificate: Students can print a certificate of completion immediately after finishing the course (and there are no boring Zoom classes or lectures to sit through). This means that parents can quickly satisfy court requirements and move on to the next phase of their lives.
Choosing the right parenting class is an important decision. The Center for Divorce Education's programs offer parents the flexibility, quality and court-approved education they need to navigate divorce or separation successfully.
Classes Available From The Center for Divorce Education
The Center for Divorce Education offers classes for parents and children to meet the needs of the families affected. Here are the three core classes available:
- Children in Between Online: As mentioned, our flagship program is a 4-hour court-mandated co-parenting course that provides parents with the tools and strategies to help their children adjust to a new family dynamic. The online course is self-paced and accessible from any device with an internet connection.
- Children in Between for Kids: This program is designed for kids ages 7-14 and their parents. It is a research-based program that helps children understand and cope with the challenges of their parents' divorce or separation. The program includes interactive games, videos and exercises that help children develop the skills to manage their emotions and communicate effectively with their parents.
- High Conflict Solutions: This is an 8-hour high-conflict level 2 co-parenting course designed for parents dealing with significant levels of conflict. The program provides parents with tools and strategies to manage their emotions and communicate effectively with their co-parent, even in high-stress situations. The course covers many topics, including conflict resolution, communication and parenting plans.
Each course is based on current parenting class statistics and designed to help parents and kids thrive.
*Included in SAMHSA's National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices
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