For two and a half decades, Parents Forever has been assisting families in their endeavors.
Parents Forever Celebrates 25 Years of Supporting Families
In 2022, the Parents Forever program, a renowned educational resource for families experiencing divorce or separation, marks its 25th anniversary. This program, initially developed in Minnesota, has grown over the years to become a valuable tool in many community and court systems, promoting healthy co-parenting and reducing conflict.
A Comprehensive Approach
The Parents Forever program offers structured classes or workshops designed to equip parents with the skills necessary for effective communication, conflict management, and putting children’s best interests first. The curriculum covers topics such as understanding family court processes, managing emotions, and developing parenting plans that benefit children’s well-being. It also incorporates concepts related to co-parenting styles, like parallel parenting, a low-contact approach suitable for high-conflict situations.
Empowering Parents
The program's primary goal is to empower parents with tools that enhance cooperation and reduce adversarial relationships. By educating parents, the program helps create more stable environments for children and promotes healthier post-divorce parenting relationships. One participant shared that the program helped them understand their child's feelings and needs, improving their ability to help their daughter emotionally.
International Recognition
While the program originated in the United States, its principles are universally applicable and are being adopted beyond U.S. borders. In 2021, the program was added to the Early Intervention Foundation (EIF) guidebook in the United Kingdom. The Parents Forever approach is being considered as a valuable model for divorce education, with indications of international adoption.
Continuous Improvement
The Parents Forever team continually updates the program to remain relevant and research-based. They use shared evaluation measures across the country to improve the program's content and delivery methods. The team's research publications and conference presentations attest to their commitment to evidence-based practices.
Adaptable Curriculum
The Parents Forever curriculum is adaptable and can be used by any community wishing to facilitate their own divorce education program. The initial curriculum was developed by a statewide committee consisting of educators, community members, and specialists from Minnesota.
Focus on Well-being
The Parents Forever program emphasizes the importance of self-care, parent-child relationships, and co-parenting in child well-being. It encourages parents to identify their internal and external resources and plan how to leverage them to promote resilience for all involved. The program also places a strong emphasis on self-management, with participants expressing appreciation for the program's focus on child well-being and healthy family relationships.
Accessibility
Parents Forever has expanded its delivery methods over the years to include two online program options (4 hour and 8 hour) that reach state, national, and international audiences. The program's news articles are permissible for republishing by news media, provided credit is given to the University of Minnesota’s website, and images are used responsibly with appropriate credits or limited use restrictions.
Today, Parents Forever is a globally accessible program, making a significant difference in the lives of families navigating the complexities of divorce and separation.
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