How the Parents Forever Course Makes a Difference
When families experience major transitions, especially separation, divorce, or custody disputes, parents face not only legal and logistical challenges but also emotional ones. These changes affect children most deeply, and courts across the country have recognized the importance of providing parents with tools to support their children through these experiences. While the impact on children is often the primary focus, it’s equally important to recognize that parents themselves need support during this transition. Navigating new routines, legal processes, and changing family dynamics can place significant stress on adults who are trying to hold everything together. One widely used resource in both North Dakota and Minnesota is the Parents Forever program, a court-approved educational course designed to help parents navigate family changes in a healthier, more informed way.
What Is Parents Forever?
Parents Forever is an educational course developed to help parents understand the impact of family transitions on children and learn skills to support their well-being. The program is commonly used in district court family matters as part of custody, divorce, or parenting-time proceedings. At its core, Parents Forever teaches parents how to:
- Maintain the parent-child relationship during and after significant changes;
- Reduce conflict and communicate more effectively with the other parent;
- Prioritize children’s emotional and developmental needs; and
- Make informed decisions that lead to healthier long-term outcomes.
The curriculum is research-based and designed to give parents practical strategies they can use immediately.
When and Why Courts Require the Class
While some parents choose to take the class voluntarily, many complete it because it is required by a court order. In Minnesota, this requirement is set by Minnesota Statutes § 518.157, which automatically mandates a parenting educational course in all cases involving children. North Dakota, however, does not automatically require such a course unless it is specifically ordered by the judge. Even so, most judges in North Dakota include it in their initial scheduling order because they recognize how beneficial the class is for both parents and children. Notably, each judicial district maintains its own list of approved courses, but one of the most widely accepted and commonly used programs in both states is Parents Forever.
