Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course
Divorce affects children’s emotional health, education, and relationships. And the risk of short and long-term effects increases when parents engage in legal conflict.
Florida Family Court requires divorcing/separating couples with minor children to complete a DCF approved parenting class before finalizing their divorce. This class is called “Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course”.
Sign up for the online Parenting class parentingcoursefl
The “Parent Education and Family Stabilization Course” addresses the following topics.
- Legal issues related to co-parenting.
- Emotional effects of separation and divorce on adults and children
- Family relationships and dynamics.
- Financial responsibilities
- Abuse and neglect.
- Resources
This course is intended for educational purposes only. The material does not constitute mental health therapy. Parents are encouraged to seek consultation if having concerns with their children or their own mental health.
Link For parenting and divorce class: parentingcoursefl
Currently in-person classes are not available.
When to Seek Help for Your Children
After separation, it is expected for children to struggle emotionally. If changes in mood or behavior are persistent, don’t delay in seeking professional help.
Therapy can help children deal with their current distress and emotions as well as learn ways to deal with issues in the future. Family therapy might also be recommended to support the children.
Emotional and Behavior problems
Symptoms of depression, anxiety and behavioral issues are common in children after parents’ separation. Having to adjust to a new lifestyle and being exposed to parental conflict does affect children greatly.
- Look for impulsive or explosive behavior, irritability, constant fights in school. And also be aware of the child becoming withdrawn, avoiding friends and social interactions.
- There is a higher risk for children of divorce parents to engage in alcohol and drug use. Teens might engage in early sexual activity and become promiscuous.
- School performance might also be affected. Emotional symptoms can affect motivation, as well as focus, memory, and ability to find solutions.
- Relationships might also be affected. Depending of how the separation happens, children might have problems with future relationships, with friends and romantic partners. They might become clingy, anxious to lose relationships, or avoiding them altogether.
What can I do as a parent?
There are many things you can do for your child to support their mental health while going through separation. Here are some tips.
Acknowledge that they are affected. Even if they don’t complain or show sign of distress. Ask and listen to their thoughts and emotions. Do not dismiss their pain.
Do not put the children in the middle. Oftentimes, parents avoid interacting directly with the other parent, and use the child to send messages. This put extra pressure on children and increases the emotional distress and anxiety that they already experience.
Minimize conflict with ex-partner. If positive interaction and communication is not possible, avoid hostile interaction in front of your children.
Stop talking bad about the other parent. No matter how bad things are. This confuses the emotions children have towards parents, leading to anxiety and depressive symptoms.
Take care of your emotional health. Separation can be challenging and likely to affect finances, support system, housing. Parents distress affects children. Practice self-care and seek professional help if you feel unable to manage things on your own.
Call for a consultation. 786-886-4631
