Parenting Classes and Best Practices for Divorced Parents in Kendall County

 Posted on November 18,2022 in Child Custody

Under Illinois law, divorcing or separating parents of minor children are mandated to complete a court-approved parent education class. Even if the divorce is uncontested, parents are required to pay for and finish a parenting course. Sometimes parenting classes are court-ordered for parents accused of child abuse or neglect. These courses teach parents how to cope with frustrations, providing them with essential techniques to care for their children safely.  

What is a Parenting Class?

Parenting classes are educational courses intended to enhance family dynamics by promoting a positive and nurturing relationship between the divorcing or separating parents and the child. The many benefits of parenting classes include but are not limited to the following:

• Teaches parents vital skills to help with the child’s transition from traveling between a two-parent household to a single-parent one

• Teaches parents how to co-parent even if the divorce was acrimonious

• Equips parents with the skills to maintain a cohesive home and family life

• Teaches parents about the basics of child development

• Provides parents with the skills needed for conflict resolution

• Teaches parents how to better care for their children, including providing for the basic needs and helping with homework

• Teaches parents how to navigate a blended family

• Teaches parents anger management

• Teaches parents what constitutes abuse in regard to discipline

• Encourages parents to recognize and develop their strengths

• Teaches parents team-building tips

• Teaches parents how to build trust

Best Practices for Co-Parenting

If you and your child’s other parent intend to share parental responsibilities and parenting time, there are many things you can do to promote a positive co-parenting relationship and minimize the negative effect of the divorce or separation on your children. 

• Reassure the child that both parents love them and that they are not the reason for the divorce.

• Keep the child informed of the other parent's parenting time schedule.

• Permit and encourage the child to contact the other parent by phone or social media.

• Champion the child's relationship with the other parent and former in-laws.

• Reassure the child that they can depend on both parents.

• Create or maintain a familiar home-like environment with the child's personal belongings and a bedroom or a private space in a shared bedroom, and encourage the other parent to do the same.

• Maintain punctuality during custody exchanges.

• Remain transparent with the other parent regarding the child's welfare, activities, and schedule.

• Refrain from last-minute cancellations.

• Communicate with your ex about introducing your child to new partners. 

Contact a Kendall County Child Custody Attorney

At The Law Office of Matthew M. Williams, P.C., competent and committed family law attorney Matthew M. Williams is certified in both collaborative and cooperative law. As a child custody attorney, Matthew M. Williams understands the complicated issues involved in co-parenting.  Skilled at drafting comprehensive and unifying parenting plans, Matthew M. Williams is sensitive to the needs of his clients and the best interest of the child. If you are seeking an amicable parenting plan, contact an Aurora divorce lawyer at 630-409-8184.

Sources:

https://www.kendallcountyil.gov/offices/circuit-clerk/divorce-information