Parenting Apart: Effective Co-Parenting

An Educational Program for Divorcing Parents

Tennessee has one of the highest divorce rates in the U.S. 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, Tennessee State Legislature passed a law that requires divorcing parents of minor children to attend a parent education program. Purpose University of Tennessee Extension has developed a four-hour program called “Parenting Apart: Effective Co-Parenting”. This program is for divorcing parents to help them guide their children through the issues that arise because of their parent’s divorce.

Topics include:

• Domestic violence and divorce
• The processes of divorce and mediation
• Dealing with stress
• How children react to divorce
• Positive communication skills
• Keeping children out of the middle of conflicts
• New relationships after divorce
• Helping children get through divorce

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

​Please note

• Pre-Registration is required. The cost of the program is $40 if paid in advance, $50 if paid at the door.
• Classes of less than 5 pre-registered participants may be cancelled.
• Check with your attorney to be sure that an Extension class taken outside of your county will be accepted by the judge.
• Divorcing spouses should attend separate classes.
• Do not bring children to class, child care is not provided.
• Classes begin on time and participants will not be allowed to attend if they arrive after the starting time.
• A certificate will be given to all persons who complete the course.
• To get credit for taking the course, please list your case number, if you have one, on the registration form.
• ALL CLASSES ARE HELD AT: UT-TSU Extension Claiborne County, 1732 Main Street, Suite 4, Tazewell, TN 37879