The first two years of divorce are critical to a child's well-being. However, please, consider your child's emotional state after telling them about a divorce. Some children may be able to attend our class soon after hearing the news, and some children will need more time before they are able to emotionally engage in class activities. Most children will need at least two weeks before attending.
Divorce Education for Children Online
About the Program
Divorce Education for Children Online is a voluntary program offered free of charge. Classes are available for children and teens ages 6 to 17 years old, whose parents are separated, divorcing, or divorced. The program provides children and teens with:
- Communication skills they can use to express their feelings to parents
- Coping skills and the ability to let go of problems that are beyond their control
- A class experience that shows they are not alone
- A strong message that divorce is not their fault
The Divorce Education Class is presented virtually each month and is offered to each age group: 6-8, 9-12, and 13-17. Ages 6 -12 attend a two-part class. Each class is one-hour and held on two separate days. Ages 13-17 attend a one-time class that is an hour and a half in length. Each class is taught by mental health professionals with assistance from state court judges and commissioners.
Read about the class from children who have attended and their parents:
|
Read about the class from children who have attended and their parents: |
||
|---|---|---|
"I learned that my parents decide why they want a divorce and I don't need to get caught up in it." |
"I learned that the divorce is not my fault." |
"My child is more confident in talking about her anger and more able to express her hurt." |
*This program compliments therapy, but is not intended to replace it.*
Divorce Education for Children Online Class Dates
You may register your child for ONE of the following classes:
The 6-8 year old class is a two-part class. Each class is one-hour and held on two separate days. The class schedule is currently as follows:
Please sign up here: https://utahcip.wufoo.com/forms/prpclo40hynywq/ *Please note, once the class is full, you will no longer see if offered on the sign up page |
The 9-12 year old class is a two-part class. Each class is one-hour and held on two separate days. The class schedule is currently as follows:
Please sign up here: https://utahcip.wufoo.com/forms/p10od79p0bswpom/ *Please note, once the class is full, you will no longer see if offered on the sign up page |
The teen’s class is for ages 13-17 and is a one-time class that is an hour and a half in length. The class schedule is currently as follows:
Please sign up here: https://utahcip.wufoo.com/forms/p7bhuqm0aix9b4/ *Please note, once the class is full, you will no longer see if offered on the sign up page |
If you have questions please contact the Divorce Education for Children Program Coordinator at 801-578-3897
Philosophy
The Longevity Project¹ (an eight-decade long study) found that children are impacted more negatively by divorce than the death of a parent.
Research shows many children continue to report painful feelings for years following divorce²; this is true even after behavior problems subside. Some children engage in risky behaviors, receive poor grades in school, and struggle with peer relationships during divorce; these are signs that children need help adjusting. Other children, who may appear to be adjusting well, showing no signs of mental stress or trauma, tend to have trouble with relationships, trust, and intimacy later in life. Parents of children going through a divorce can help their child/ren by registering them for a Divorce Education for Children Online class.
The Divorce Education for Children Online Subcommittee is dedicated to providing a safe educational environment where children can learn skills to help them through their parents' separation or divorce. The Divorce Education for Children Online program is a child-centered program that compliments Divorce Education for Adults. As adults learn to recognize distress in their children and talk to their children about divorce, children who take the Divorce Education for Children Online class practice coping skills, and how to talk to their parents about how they feel and what they need.
In order for children to express their needs during a divorce is important that they understand their emotions and what is causing them to feel stressed. Our instructors are licensed mental health professionals who help children identify their feelings and empower them to be assertive during a time of ongoing change. Our instructors lead children in a series of activities in a courtroom alongside other children who are also experiencing a separation or divorce in their family. Spending time in a courtroom and speaking with a judge or commissioner also helps children understand that while their parents have many feelings about going to court, they do not need to feel afraid.
Divorce is a major event in the life of a child. Changes from divorce can be traumatic for children, and often causes great physical and emotional stress³. Like adults, children need extra support transitioning through a divorce.
The Divorce Education Subcommittee is happy to offer a way to improve safety and the quality of life for children with our class.
¹The Longevity Project: Surprising Discoveries for Health and Long Life from the Landmark Eight-decade Study (2011)
²Children's Reactions to Separation and Divorce (2000)
³Offspring of parents who were separated and not speaking to one another have reduced resistance to the common cold as adults (2017)
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We encourage every child who is eligible to attend the class, even children who appear to be adjusting well to their new family dynamics. Very often, the real impact of a divorce will not be apparent until your child has reached young adulthood.
No. We want children in the class to feel comfortable talking openly about divorce, and be able to practice communication skills without their parents present..
You are welcome to either wait at the courthouse or drop them off and return at the end of the class.
Please, contact the class facilitator in your area to determine how best to proceed.
Recommendations
Please, review which mental health professional will be teaching the class in your area. If it is someone you know or someone you have been seeing for services, please contact them to help prepare your child to see them in a different setting. You may also call the class facilitator who can get in touch with the mental health professional for you.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact someone in your area regarding the Divorce Education for Children Online class.