Focus on Kids Program for Divorcing and
Never-Married Parents

Many children today experience parental divorce or have parents who never married and live apart. Divorcing and never-married parents face unique challenges in parenting their children while living apart. Conflict between parents, whether they live together or apart, is associated with many negative outcomes in children. The purposes of this workshop are to help parents learn how to nurture and support their children through the divorce process and to help parents who are living apart develop ways to effectively work together as co-parents.

Focus on Kids satisfies the Missouri law that requires parents who are divorcing or filing a motion to modify a parenting plan to attend an educational parenting program. It is conducted in cooperation with Missouri’s circuit courts.  See the Focus on Kids Program Schedule for dates, times, fees and contact information. 

Focus on Kids participants will:

• Understand the importance of consistent and supportive involvement by both parents.
• Recognize children’s needs and reactions to family change.
• Learn about specific behaviors that are helpful in co-parenting situations and behaviors that are less effective.
• Obtain information about additional resources.

This workshop was developed by the faculty of the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Missouri.

This page briefly describes one of many programs offered through University of Missouri Extension. Workshops are scheduled periodically based on the needs and interests expressed by local citizens. Not all of these workshops are available in every county, and specialists may present additional workshops that cover topics not included on this list. Contact your nearest Extension Regional Specialist for more information about the programs that are available in your area

The following resources contain additional information about how to work through divorce.

Missouri Extension Guides

• GH6602 Activities for Helping Children Deal With Divorce
• GH6601 Focus On Families: Divorce and Adults
• GH6600 Focus On Kids: Helping Children Understand Divorce