Parenting Separately

"Divorce does not end family life; it only rearranges it."  Many divorcing parents are unaware and unprepared for the challenges they face.  Children affected by divorce need biological parents who are willing to cooperate for the benefit of their children.  In addition, more children are born to never-married parents than ever before.  That's why the Better Life Counseling Center has created Parenting Separately: a 3 hour class designed to meet the needs of never-married, divorced and divorcing parents.  The Parenting Separately class will achieve 5 goals:

• To provide research-based information about parenting seperately.
• To teach seperate parents skills to help them become effective co-parents
• To review the effects of divorce on children
• To suggest ways to minimize conflict and keep children out of the middle
• To demonstrate the need for both parents to remain actively and responsibly involved as parents

To register for Parenting Separately, call Tammy at 935-4673 or email her at tevins@betterlife.org.  Include the phrase "Parenting Separately" in the subject line, and instruct her on the easiest way to contact you. Classes are held when we have 6 individuals registered. The next scheduled class is Monday June 23rd at 6:00pm. Classes are held at the Southwest Church of Christ at 1601 James Street Jonesboro, AR 72401.  The church is located off Nettleton Avenue directly behind the YMCA.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is the Parenting Separately class for? It is for any divorced, divorcing, or never-married parent.  Even if conflict with your co-parent/partner is high, you can learn the principles of Cooperative Co-Parenting.

Do both biological parents need to attend the class?  While it would be best if both biological parents complete the program, it is not required.  Some parents may be more comfortable if they do not attend the same class session.

What is the cost of the class? The cost if $35 per participant.  Included in this cost is a 36-page Participant's Manual and resource guide, as well as a certificate indicating the completion of the Parenting Separately course.

Can my new spouse (my children's step-parent) participate in the class?  Anyone may participate; however the information presented is specifically designed for biological parents.

How can I register for the next Parenting Separately class?  Register by calling Tammy at (870) 935-4673.

Is the Parenting Separately class a kind of therapy?  No, the class is not therapy at all; neither is it a support group.  The purpose of the class is to present information concisely in an interactive setting.  If you would like to find out more about the psychotherapy services Better Life Counseling Center offers, please click here.

Call Tammy at (870) 935-4673 to register for the next class