About the series:

Separation or divorce is a significant crisis time in the life of a family. The months, and perhaps years that come before, during and after, shake the foundations of a family and reach into all areas of family and individual life. The losses experienced during this time are at least as great as those of a death. There are, however, no funerals for the ending of a relationship.

“A Better Beginning” strives to help parents do just that . . . create a better beginning. The series is designed to help couples navigate through the process of redefining their family. Even though parents may distance themselves from each other, they are parents – forever responsible together (and perhaps someday, along with others),for their family.

This program fulfills the Wisconsin Supreme Court Statute 767.115 for education to separating and divorcing parents.

How does the “A Better Beginning” program work?

This UW-Madison Division of Extension educational program for separating divorcing families is court-ordered for all parents of minor children in Pepin and Buffalo counties. The program consists of two 2-hour live online classes. Parents have the option of attending the class together or separately.  Contact Mary with any questions concerning the course at 608-685-6252 or write mary.campbellwood@wisc.edu . Scheduled class dates and times are listed below.

To satisfy the statute, parents must:

1. Participate in both 2-hours sessions. (Parents have the option of attending sessions together or separately.)
2. Do homework assignments.

Upon completion of the course, each parent will receive a certificate of completion. We will also proved a copy to the Clerk of Court, which will be added to your file.

Will “A Better Beginning” help us?

YES! Long-term studies have shown that families who receive quality support and learn new skills during separation and divorce fare much better in many areas of life than those who don’t.

HOW? The ways parents conduct themselves greatly affects the experience, adjustment and outcome for their child(ren).

This program helps parents to:

• Develop a strong co-parenting relationship and a quality co-parenting plan.
• Improve communication with one another and their children.
• Manage difficult conversations successfully.
• Work together for the best interests of their children.
• Protect their children from the harmful effects of the divorce process.
• Recognize the ways and times that children feel responsible, distressed, or put “in the middle” of parent situations during and after divorce.
• Learn and use important skills for stress management and support, positive communication, problem-solving and conflict.
• Navigate the grieving and healing process, and help their children through grief and healing.
• Strengthen positive parenting strategies.

Children and youth will learn to:

• Communicate their needs and concerns with parents.
• Use positive coping strategies and a support network.
• Understand that their parent’s divorce is not their fault.
• Adjust to the many changes that accompany divorce.
• Feel more secure, and less worried and stressed in the midst of the divorce process.

How do I register for “A Better Beginning”?

It is the responsibility of each individual parent to register themselves and their child(ren).  There is a $30.00 per parent registration fee. There is no charge for children.

If financial help is needed, scholarships are available. You may make a confidential request for a scholarship via your online registration form.

To reserve a place in the classes, parents need to complete and submit the registration online at A Better Beginning Registration Form as well as send the $30 per parent registration fee to the Buffalo County UW-Madison Division of Extension Office. Participants are not registered and will not receive a confirmation email with important class instructions until payment is received.

 A Better Beginning Class Dates

Note: A Better Beginning sessions are two 2-part virtual classes. You must attend both classes to meet court requirements.

A Better Beginning Instructor:

Mary Campbell Wood, M.S. Professor of Human Development and Relationships
mary.campbellwood@wisc.edu