BU-06774 1997

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Parents Forever: Pathways to a New Life Parent Handbook

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Introduction

Many experts believe divorce is life's second most traumatic event, after the death of a child or parent. Your dreams for the future of your family, as it existed, must now be laid to rest. You are leaving behind a family structure that once was, and can never be again. You are moving on from a relationship that likely gave you a measure of love, security, identify, and hope. In addition, you may be leaving a more comfortable lifestyle and adjusting to one filled with financial struggle.

Finding pathways to a new life usually takes time-often a great deal of time. As both you and your children adjust to life in the present, new structures will begin to take the place of the old, giving you confidence for the future.

You can help yourself put some of these new structures into place. By practicing communication skills and building essential elements for a new life into your daily routines, you will make the future seem more hopeful. So will considering the path your life may take from here, whether it is reconciliation with the other parent, single parenthood, dating, or remarriage. Presented here are considerations for each of these pathways, always including considerations for your children's well-being.

Purpose of This Session

Skills For a New Life

Communication Skills for a New Life

Essential Elements for a New Life

Letting Go
Redefining Parental Roles
Developing New Social Ties

Reconciliation

Should My Marriage Be Saved?
What About the Children?

Single Parenting

10 Tips for Single Parents

New Relationships

Developing New Social Ties
Helping Your Children Adjust to New Relationships After Divorce
Impact of a New Relationship on the Uncoupled Parent

Stepfamilies

Basics About the Development of Stepfamilies
Issues for Stepfamilies
Guidelines for Stepparents

Conclusion

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