If you are a parent who is going through a divorce or custody dispute in Connecticut, you may be required to take a parenting education program. As of October 1, 2020, these programs may now be completed online, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is a Parenting Education Program?
In order to provide the best care for your child, it’s important to have an understanding of their developmental needs. A parenting education program is a class that is designed to help parents understand the impact of divorce on children and learn how to effectively co-parent.
Parenting after divorce often is confusing for new parents. It is not always easy for them to know what is best for their children within the context of big family changes like separation or divorce. The goal of the program is to minimize the stress on children during and after a divorce.
Parents and professionals alike should be cautious when seeking education online to help raise and instruct children. The online parenting education programs are approved by the Connecticut Judicial Branch and are offered by several different providers. These classes range in length from four to eight hours and are typically completed over the course of four weeks.
Benefits of Online Parenting Classes
Even though your parenting classes may be court-ordered, they can be highly beneficial for your family. Below are just some of the things you can learn by attending parenting classes in Connecticut:
- How to use positive language with your children
- How to establish family routines that children feel anchored in
- How children develop emotionally and socially as they get older
- How to discipline children effectively
- How to show love and affection to children in appropriate ways
- How to communicate with your children and their other parent
Children of families that undergo parenting education are safer, have fewer behavioral issues, have better mental health, fewer substance abuse problems, and have a more positive self-image.
How Do I Enroll in an Online Parenting Education Program?
If you are required to attend parenting classes, you can do so either in person or online. To enroll in an online parenting education program, you will first need to obtain a certificate of eligibility from the Superior Court Clerkâs Office in the county where your case is pending. Once you have obtained the certificate, you will need to contact one of the approved providers to register for the program.
The cost of the program will vary depending on the provider you choose, but it is typically between $60 and $100. If you cannot afford the cost of the program, you may be able to request a fee waiver from the court.
Court Certified Programs: https://jud.ct.gov/HomePDFs/parentingprogram.pdf
These programs fulfill the parenting education requirement, and once they are completed, the program will forward a Certificate of Completion to the court that ordered the class.
Get Help With Co-Parenting From a Connecticut Divorce Lawyer
Co-parenting classes can satisfy court-ordered requirements and help your family navigate life after divorce more effectively. For more information on online parenting education programs in Connecticut, veteran divorce attorney Heidi E. Opinsky can help. Please contact our office today by dialing 203-653-3542.