Parenting in the 21st Century is no cakewalk — especially for mothers and fathers who are separated.

Thanks to a new program launched by the Cass County Friend of the Court, local divorced or separated parents can get some tips and advice on how to work together with their former partner to raise children.

The FOC staff is teaming up with area psychologists Michael Jenuwine, with the University of Notre Dame Law School, and Rebecca Katovsich, with Cassopolis’ Shepard House Counseling, to offer a new Parenting Academy program. The five-part class will be offered free of charge, with parents able to attend to any of the scheduled seminars at their convenience, said Carol Montavon Bealor, director of the Cass County Friend of Court.

“There are no requirements to attend,” Bealor said. “Whether you have an open case or you are just someone with questions you will learn some great information from the doctors and our staff.”

Classes begin next month, and take place throughout the year. Each session will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Cass District Library, located at 319 M-62 N., Cassopolis.

The interactive classes will teach attendees different tips and techniques on how to effectively parent in divided households. Topics range from lessons on how to better communicate with children, how to work together with former partners to make decisions and how to see sepeartion from the child’s perspective, Bealor said.

Each session will feature interactive instruction, including open question and answer sessions and role-playing scenarios. The instructors will tailor each class to the people who attend, Bealor added.

The Friend of the Court office has discussed starting a parenting academy for more than a year, and spent the past six months working with Jenuwine and Katovsich to roll out the program, Bealor said. Through the free classes, the FOC staff is hoping to address some common issues the court sees among separated parents in a more cost efficient way than mandated counseling, the director said.

“We can spend a small amount of money and impact a lot of people, if we get enough people to come,” Bealor said.

In spite of the pain of breakups, it is beneficial for separated couples to work together to raise their children, something the academy is intended to demonstrate, the director said.

“Evidence shows that when children have two parents who are actively involved in their lives, they do better,” Bealor said. “Just because someone was a bad husband or wife or a bad boyfriend or girlfriend doesn’t mean they are a bad parent.”

Parents who attend all five modules will receive a diploma, Bealor said.

The FOC staff will serve free food at each session. Attendees will also be entered into a drawing for gift cards and other prizes, including tickets to South Bend’s Potawatomi Zoo, Bealor said.

Bealor is hoping to continue the academy past its final scheduled date in March 2018, depending on the success of the first batch of classes, she said.

People who want more information about the courses can contact Bealor at (269) 445-4482.

 

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