Navigating Change: Your Guide to the Parenting Through Separation Course in New Zealand

What is the Parenting Through Separation Course?

The Parenting Through Separation Course (often referred to as PTS) is a free, government-funded programme available to parents, guardians, and caregivers in New Zealand who are experiencing separation or have recently separated. Its primary goal is to help adults understand how separation affects children and provide them with strategies to support their children through this significant life change.

It’s more than just an informational session; it’s an empowering educational experience. The course is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to reduce conflict, improve communication with your ex-partner, and ultimately create a more stable and nurturing environment for your children.

Who is the Course For?

• Parents, guardians, and caregivers: Anyone with parenting responsibilities who is separating or has separated.
• Voluntary or Mandated: While many parents choose to attend voluntarily, in some cases, the Family Court may require parents to complete the course as part of their parenting order application process.
• Anyone seeking clarity: Even if your separation is amicable, the course offers valuable insights into child development during challenging times.

“Approximately 2 in 5 New Zealand marriages end in separation. While the legal process can be complex, the emotional impact on children is often overlooked without proper guidance.”
— Based on Stats NZ marriage and divorce data.

What Does the Course Cover?

The curriculum for the Parenting Through Separation Course is comprehensive, focusing on practical and psychological aspects:

• Understanding Children’s Reactions: How children of different ages cope with separation and what their needs are.
• Managing Conflict: Strategies to minimise parental conflict and prevent children from being exposed to it.
• Effective Communication: Tools for communicating with your ex-partner about your children in a respectful and constructive way.
• Co-Parenting Strategies: Developing a co-parenting plan that works for your family.
• Recognising Stress: Identifying signs of stress, such as anxiety, in your children and how to help them.
• Legal & Practical Information: An overview of relevant New Zealand laws and Family Court processes related to care of children.
• Emotional Well-being: Practical advice for parents on managing their own stress and emotions during separation.

Key Benefits of Taking the Parenting Through Separation Course

Engaging with the Parenting Through Separation Course offers a multitude of benefits, not only for you as a parent but, most importantly, for your children.

Prioritising Your Child’s Well-being

The core of the course is ensuring children emerge from separation as resilient as possible. By understanding their developmental needs and emotional responses, parents can provide targeted support, especially for areas like School-Age Development & Learning Support.

• Reduced anxiety and stress for children.
• Improved emotional adjustment to the new family structure.
• A stronger sense of security and stability.

“Research indicates that children whose parents manage to co-parent cooperatively post-separation demonstrate better academic performance and fewer behavioural issues.”
— Child & Adolescent Development Research, University of Auckland.

Fostering Effective Communication

Learning to communicate effectively with an ex-partner is crucial for successful co-parenting. The course provides specific techniques to help you do this:

• Developing clear, child-focused communication channels.
• Learning active listening and de-escalation skills.
• Setting boundaries and expectations for parental interaction.

Reducing Parental Conflict

High parental conflict is detrimental to children. The PTS course empowers you to minimise disagreements and handle them constructively:

• Identifying triggers for conflict and developing coping mechanisms.
• Focusing discussions solely on children’s needs, not past grievances.
• Strategies for disengaging from unconstructive arguments.

Navigating Legal and Practicalities

The course also provides a foundational understanding of the legal landscape surrounding separation in New Zealand, making the process less daunting:

• Understanding the role of the Family Court and how it works.
• Information on care of children orders and parenting plans.
• Information on Financial Well-being & Planning in the context of separation.
• Awareness of other Family Support Services Auckland and similar support services available throughout NZ.

How to Access the Parenting Through Separation Course (Step-by-Step)

Accessing this vital support in New Zealand is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide to enrolling in the Parenting Through Separation Course:

Step 1: Identify Your Need

Recognise that the course can benefit you and your children. This might be a voluntary decision or a recommendation from your lawyer or the Family Court. The course is free and available online, making it accessible from anywhere in New Zealand.

Step 2: Register for the Course

• Online Portal: The most common way to register is directly through the New Zealand Ministry of Justice website or the Family Court online portal. Search for “Parenting Through Separation Course NZ” to find the official link.
• Family Court Referral: If you’re involved in Family Court proceedings, your lawyer or a Family Court professional can provide you with information on how to enrol.
• Choose a Provider: The course is delivered by various approved providers across NZ. When you register online, you will typically be guided to select a convenient provider.

Step 3: Actively Participate

Once registered, you’ll gain access to the course materials, which are typically delivered online. Engage with the content, complete any exercises, and reflect on how the strategies apply to your specific family situation. The course usually takes a few hours to complete and can often be done at your own pace.

Step 4: Apply What You’ve Learned

The real benefit comes from implementing the tools and strategies in your daily life. Continuously strive to communicate respectfully, minimise conflict, and keep your children’s best interests at heart. Remember, consistency is key in fostering a stable environment post-separation.

Conclusion

The journey through separation is a challenging one, but with the right support, it doesn’t have to define your family’s future negatively. The Parenting Through Separation Course in New Zealand offers a beacon of hope and practical guidance, empowering parents to navigate this complex time with confidence and compassion.

By equipping yourself with the knowledge and tools from this course, you’re investing directly in your children’s emotional well-being and their ability to thrive amidst change. It’s a testament to your dedication as a parent, ensuring that even when relationships change, the love and stability for your children remain steadfast.

Consider enrolling today – your children will thank you for it.