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The need for divorcing couples to arrive at amicable arrangements concerning childcare and contact often breeds conflict. Many parents have conflicting ideas on what is best for their children and, with emotions running high, mothers and fathers often forget that the needs of their children are, ultimately, what should come first. In an attempt to redress this problem, the majority of divorcing parents in the US are required to attend parental education programmes designed to assist them in managing their relationship during and after divorce and increase their awareness of the effect that their actions can have on their children. These classes have seen their fair share of criticism, however, with the programmes’ detractors claiming that there is little evidence to show their effectiveness and that public funds could be put to better use as a result. A recent study centred on a programme based in San Francisco entitled ‘Kids Turn’ – which has been operating since 1988 and requires divorcing parents and the children affected by the divorce to attend six separate sessions – sheds some light on the benefits of the programme. In order to gather the information required to undertake their study, researchers asked their subjects to provide feedback on their mental health, relationship with their children/parents and on co-parenting conflict both before and after the course. Their outcomes showed that the additional education did indeed benefit those who attended. Following completion of the programme, parents reported significantly less conflict with their partners as well as reduced parental alienation. Reduced levels of stress and depression amongst both parents and children were also highlighted. These results indicate that parents who attended this course are less likely to argue with one another during their divorce and that they are more likely to engage in positive communication with their children, both of which are certain to be highly beneficial to children of divorce. The report noted that there was no change in parent-children relationships following the programmes completion, but this does not detract from the study’s other positive findings. What do you think? Would the UK benefit from the introduction if such programmes? Please leave a comment below.