Children In The Middle (CIM)
What About the Children? The divorce or separation of one’s parents and the restructuring of the family that follows are among the most painful and agonizing experiences for children of all ages. The problems created by divorce can remain a long-term burden for many children well into their adult lives.
What is ‘Children in the Middle’?
Children in the Middle was developed by the Center for Divorce Education in Athens, Ohio with the goal of helping caregivers (parents, grandparents, etc.) and children to minimize harmful effects of divorce. This is a class about parenting skills. It is NOT therapy or counseling. It is NOT a workshop on divorce law or on case strategies. It most certainly is not a forum to air the anger and resentments about ex-spouse!The purpose is to share information about what their divorce may be doing to their children, and to learn skills to minimize their children’s burdens.
The Program is a one session program, three hours long. Attendance to the entire session is mandatory. Research shows that when parents attend class within 30 days of filing for divorce or other non-dissolution papers there is a “tremendous reduction in subsequent relitigation”.
Goals of ‘Children in the Middle’
- To engage parents in recognizing the effects on children caught in the middle of parental problems and conflicts.
- To help parents learn new skills & apply them to their own situations.
- To encourage parents to let their children know that the children’s reactions to being caught in the middle are normal, and to encourage children to give parents feedback when problems are occurring.
- To become knowledgeable on how to reduce the main stressors of divorce and separation on children.
Unlike other programs, ‘Children in the Middle’
- is skill focused ~ the approach most likely to produce lasting behavior change.
- recognize how children are put in the middle
- learn to utilize good communication skills
- help children lead happier, less stressful lives
- Substance Abuse in the Workplace
- targets the most stress-inducing parental behaviors.
- has been proven effective through extensive field testing.
- comes with curricular materials for parents to take home.
- highly endorsed by parents, even when mandated to attend.