A one-session skill-based program that helps children and parents deal with the children’s reaction to divorce.
As they confront the challenges of divorce, parents may use their children to manipulate and/or control each other around a variety of personal, social, and financial issues. These tactics increase the stress and anxiety typically experienced by their children and can increase their risk for behavior problems, depression, delinquency, substance use, teen pregnancy, school failure and dropout, and suicide.
The parent will learn to:
• Avoid putting children in the middle of their conflicts;
• Identify conflicts and how to avoid them;
• Improve communication skills;
• Develop sensitivity to how their actions and reactions affect their child.
During the 4-hour session, parents view several realistic scenarios that increase awareness of how parental behavior affects children. Discussion follows each scenario to help parents identify skills needed to improve communication with their co-parent. In addition, community resources to assist families in transition and/or crisis are also provided.
This program is currently offered at no cost to Bergen County residents. Please check our Calendar of Events link for upcoming Children in the Middle program dates. If you are interested in registering for this program please contact Kathy Scheiner at (201) 488-8680 ext. 100 or kscheiner@cafsnj.org.
