Return to Family Court MenuSMILE
Start Making It Liveable for Everyone
WHAT IS SMILE?
SMILE - Start Making It Liveable for Everyone - is an educational program for separating/divorced parents with children under the age of eighteen. It provides information to help parents better understand the effects of divorce.
It assists parents to understand the needs of their children. It helps parents learn what they can do to create a nurturing and safe environment so their children can recover from the divorce and feel good about themselves.
It provides information to prevent destructive game-playing that is so common among divorced couples and their children. It helps parents gain problem solving skills. It lets parents know they are not alone.
WHY SMILE IS IMPORTANT
Divorce is a process over which children have no control. Children should not become its victims. When parents are under stress, it is harder to be in touch with their children's pain and anguish. It takes time, effort and planning on the part of parents to be able to provide for children's needs.
In the crisis of divorce, parents may put their children on hold while they attend to adult problems first. Sometimes separating/divorced parents find their roles and expectations are undefined and cloudy. If handled properly, divorce need not be devastating for children.
SMILE - Start Making It Liveable for Everyone - helps to soften the blows of divorce.
TOPICS COVERED
- The Grief ProcessWHERE AND WHEN
- How Divorce Affects Children and Parents
- Developmental Reactions to Divorce
- Helping Children Adjust to Divorce
- A one-session, two-hour program held monthly.SPONSORED BY
- Free
- For parents who have recently filed for divorce. Parents receive an invitation letter from the Family Division judges telling them of the date, time and location.
- For parents who are urged to attend the program by a Family Division judge.
- For parents who have not received an invitation and want to attend. To confirm your attendance or to register for the program call the Calhoun County Extension Office at 269-781-0823.
Michigan State University Extension - Calhoun CountyMichigan State University Extension programs and material are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age or religion.
37th Judicial Circuit Court - Family Division
Calhoun County Friend of the Court
10/06
Return to Calhoun County Courts Homepage
Last Updated 4-13-07
Send your comments, questions and suggestions to Phil Harter at 161
E Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan 49014 or
e mail to pharter@calhouncountymi.gov