A Better Beginning
A Better Beginning: Education and Support for Separtating and Divorcing Families
About the series:
Separation and divorce are critical and significant times in the life of a family and can shake the foundations of a family. The effects of separation and divorce reach into all areas of individual, family , work and community life.
Though parents may need distance from each other, they will remain in partnership as co-parents for the rest of their lives.
This series is designed to help parents and children understand that their family is changing – not ending. Skills and strategies are offered to help everyone navigate through that process and grow stronger as a family in new ways.
“A Better Beginning” gives parents and children the support and skills to use in their individual situation – which helps them to create a better future for their family.
This program fulfills the Wisconsin Supreme Court Statute 767.11 for education to separating and divorcing parents.
How does “A Better Beginning” program work?
Parents (and their minor children ages 6 – 16) will attend two evening group sessions of two hours each, for two weeks in a row. Dates and times are listed on the registration letter.
To satisfy the statute, parents must:
- Participate in both 2-hours sessions. (Parents have the option of attending sessions together or separately.)
- Do homework assignments.
- Make sure their children, ages 6 through 16, participate in both sessions and complete their homework assignments.
Upon completion of the course, each parent will receive a certificate of completion. We will also proved a copy to the Clerk of Court, which will be added to your file.
Will “A Better Beginning” help us?
YES! Long-term studies have shown that families who receive quality support and learn new skills during separation and divorce fare much better in many areas of life than those who don’t.
HOW? The ways parents conduct themselves greatly affects the experience, adjustment and outcome for their child(ren).
This program helps parents to:
- See through their child’s eyes and make decisions centered around their child’s experience and best interests.
- Recognize the ways and times that children feel responsible, distressed, or put “in the middle” of parent situations during and after separation and divorce.
- Learn and use important skills for stress management, positive communication, problem-solving and conflict.
- Develop a quality co-parenting plan.
Children and youth will learn to:
- Communicate their needs and concerns with parents.
- Use positive coping strategies and a support network.
How do I register?
The program has a materials fee of $30.00 per parent. There is no charge for children.
If financial help is needed, scholarships are available. You may make a confidential request for a scholarship application by calling the Buffalo County Extension Office at 608-685-6256.
It is the responsibility of each individual parent to register themselves and their child(ren).
To reserve a place in the classes, parents need to complete and return the registration form below with payment to the UW-Extension Office.
A Better Beginning Registration Form
Instructors:
Mary Wood, M.S. ~ Buffalo & Pepin Counties Family Living Agent
Annie Lisowski, M.S. ~ Buffalo County 4-H & Youth Development Educator
