The Women’s Center of San Joaquin County is pleased to announce that our long-awaited co-parenting curriculum is now in full swing and will be a part of our basic parenting program beginning August 4, 2009. We are also delighted that Jimmie Sasaki (retired SUSD Parent Involvement Program Specialist) will be joining us in this endeavor. Sasaki will be co-teaching specific classes throughout the course.

The relationship between separated/divorced parents and its impact on children has caught the attention of mental health and family law professionals, judges, and child advocates throughout our county and across the nation. Over the years we have witnessed the devastating effects of divorce and parental separation on families. During separation, divorce, custody battles and visitation schedules parents struggle to restructure their family. This struggle is magnified by pain, anger and lack of knowledge regarding how to support their children during the process. Although parents love their children and want what is best for them, they are often unaware or unable to keep their children’s well-being a priority. Parenting skills are compromised, needs overlooked and parent’s personal issues become blurred with their children’s. Effective parenting during and after divorce/separation is a skill difficult for most parents to navigate on their own. We are here to help with that struggle.

Our 7 week basic parenting program includes topics such as self-esteem, boundaries, ages and stages of development, communication, anger and stress management, goals of misbehavior, discipline and consequences and domestic violence/sexual abuse prevention. The course also includes managing the differences in step-families and tips for parenting long distance. The 8th class serves as a bridge to our co-parenting course. This class stresses the importance of both parents being involved in the parenting process. It examines the separate roles of parents and how to handle children that go back and forth between mom and dad and manipulate parenting styles. Attendees who are interested in a certificate of completion must attend all 8 classes. For those who are in need of co-parenting they are expected to continue for an additional 4 weeks of co-parenting, for a total of 12 weeks.

Enrollment

Parents who are interested in attending classes must make a commitment to complete all sessions. Classes will be held at The Women’s Center of San Joaquin County. 620 North San Joaquin Street, Stockton, CA. 95202. Class is on Tuesday evenings from 5:30pm to 7:30 pm.

• Make arrangements for childcare
• Arrive on time and bring a pen or pencil
• Be willing to participate
• Be aware that The Women’s Center is a Safe Place. We have a zero tolerance for any form of verbal, emotional or physical abuse. Any outburst, intimidating behavior or obscene language will result in being asked to leave the premises and being dropped from class.

Our open enrollment policy still stands, however, with the additional 4 classes added, parents interested in the 8 week basic course should understand that if they are starting on any session other than session one, it may take them longer to complete than before. Please feel free to call me with any questions you might have at (209) 467-2336.

Lori J. Thompson
Family Violence Specialist/Parenting Instructor
The Women’s Center of San Joaquin County