Other Topics: We are separating. What happens to our children? Basics of Custody and Visitation How do we make sure we are the best parents possible? How do we make a parenting plan for our children? How do we get a custody and visitation order? Custody Mediation What is supervised visitation? Family Court Services Programs What happens when there is or has been domestic violence? How do we change a custody and/or visitation order? What happens if one of the parents doesn't follow the custody and visitation court order? Is child support related to custody and visitation? What happens if one of the parents wants to move away? What happens if one of the parents kidnaps the child and leaves the country? What happens if I want to travel with my child but I can't find the other parent to get permission? Forms & Instructions for Custody & Visitation Cases Custody & Visitation Links

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How do we make sure we are the best parents possible?

How can I be a good parent during the separation?

How do I find a parenting class?

How can I be a good parent during the separation?
Children benefit when the parents:

• Avoid conflict and avoid any physical violence or emotional abuse
• Handle rules and discipline in similar ways
• Support appropriate and safe contact with grandparents and other extended family so the children do not experience a sense of loss.
• Are flexible so the child can take advantage of opportunities to participate in special family celebrations or events.
• Give as much advance notice as possible to the other parent about special occasions.
• Provide an itinerary of travel dates, destination and places where the child or parent can be reached when on vacation.
• Establish a workable "business like" method of communication
• Plan their vacations around the child's regularly scheduled activities

Children are harmed when parents:

• Use physical violence
• Make their child choose between each parent
• Question their child about the other parent's activities or relationships
• Make promises they do not keep
• Argue with or put down the other parent in the child's presence or range of hearing
• Discuss their personal problems with the child or in the child's range of hearing
• Use the child as a messenger, spy or mediator
• Withhold access because child support has not been paid

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How do I find a parenting class?

The Family Court in your county has an office, called Family Court Services, which usually has a list of parenting classes. Click here to find the Family Court Services in your county.

Also, most areas have groups like the YMCA, youth agencies, community agencies, and religious groups that offer:

• Handouts on normal development for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.
• Articles with checklists for picking a quality daycare.
• Parenting classes with tips for handling typical situations.

Because there are so many resources available, it is best if you search for what you want in your city or county. Go to a search engine like Google, Yahoo, or Ask and search for "parenting resources" or "parenting classes" in your city. There are online parenting classes, guidelines, handouts, for parents and children of all ages.

And, mental health professionals also can help to point out important issues for the family and help you make the separation as easy on your children as possible.

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