What you will learn?
In this module, parents and caregivers will explore the impact of change on children and learn strategies to support them through life’s transitions. Participants will gain insight into why change can feel overwhelming for kids, the different types of change children experience, and when change can become traumatic. The module introduces evidence-based approaches—including TBRI, CARE, CPP, and PCIT—to help parents respond effectively, build resilience, and strengthen parent-child relationships. An interactive activity, “Mapping Change,” allows caregivers to reflect on their child’s experiences, identify emotional responses, and plan practical strategies for support. By the end of this module, participants will feel equipped to guide their children through change with understanding, empathy, and confidence.
This module explores how children of different ages experience and respond to divorce or major family changes. Parents will learn how developmental stages—from infancy through adolescence—shape a child’s understanding, emotions, and behaviors. The session highlights common reactions such as regression, anxiety, or acting out, and provides practical strategies for offering reassurance and support.
Through reflection activities and case vignettes, participants will practice identifying children’s underlying feelings and develop age-appropriate, supportive responses. The module emphasizes the importance of consistency, empathy, and knowing when to seek professional help.
By the end of this module, participants will be able to:
-Recognize age-specific responses to divorce and separation.
-Interpret behavior as a form of communication.
-Apply supportive strategies tailored to each developmental stage.
-Practice responding to real-life scenarios with empathy and care.
Children respond to divorce and family transitions differently depending on their age and developmental stage. This module helps parents recognize how infants, preschoolers, elementary-aged children, and teens experience change, and how those experiences often show up through behavior rather than words.
Parents will explore typical developmental reactions—such as regression, magical thinking, fear of abandonment, and withdrawal—and learn supportive ways to respond. Emphasis is placed on viewing behavior as communication, creating consistency and reassurance, and knowing when professional support may be needed.
Interactive case vignettes allow parents to practice applying these concepts to real-life scenarios, helping them strengthen empathy and develop age-appropriate strategies for supporting their children through change.
By the end of this lesson, parents will be able to:
Identify common emotional and behavioral responses to divorce at different developmental stages.
Recognize when children’s behaviors signal deeper distress.
Apply practical, age-appropriate strategies to support their children.
Respond with empathy, consistency, and reassurance during transitions.
This module focuses on helping parents understand and respond to children’s behaviors with empathy and consistency. Parents will learn that behavior is communication and that pausing to observe patterns, connecting before correcting, and validating feelings are essential first steps in support.
The module introduces positive discipline strategies, such as setting calm and consistent boundaries, using praise, and applying natural or logical consequences instead of harsh punishment. Parents will also explore PRIDE skills—Praise, Reflect, Imitate, Describe, and Enthusiasm—as practical tools to strengthen connection and resilience in their children.
Through scenario-based activities, participants will practice identifying what a child’s behavior might be communicating and apply supportive responses that align with evidence-based strategies.
By the end of this lesson, parents will be able to:
Recognize behavior as a form of communication rather than defiance.
Respond with connection and validation before correction.
Implement positive discipline strategies that encourage growth.
Apply PRIDE skills to strengthen parent-child relationships.
Know when to seek professional help for concerning behaviors.
This module emphasizes that while family structures may shift due to divorce, separation, or other transitions, a parent’s role remains permanent. Parents will learn why children thrive when they experience stable, reliable involvement from both parents and how consistency in the parental role reduces anxiety and builds trust. Through reflection and role-play, participants will practice strategies to remain present, reliable, and emotionally available for their children.
Strong parent-child relationships are the foundation of healthy child development and resilience. In this module, parents will explore evidence-based strategies, including PCIT, CARE, TBRI, and CPP, to deepen connection and repair relational ruptures. Participants will discover practical ways to build secure attachment through small, daily moments of presence and connection. Activities include role-plays and relationship mapping to help parents put skills into practice.
Divorce or separation is not only a legal process but also an emotional transition for both parents and children. This module helps participants understand divorce through the lens of change and grief while reinforcing that parental roles remain intact. Parents will reflect on what has changed versus what remains in their parenting and learn how to provide reassurance and stability to their children during this difficult time.
In this module, parents will develop skills for having age-appropriate, supportive conversations with their children about divorce or separation. Participants will learn to use clear, honest communication while avoiding blame or unnecessary adult details. Through practice scenarios, they will strengthen their ability to validate feelings, reassure children, and foster security through open and compassionate dialogue.
Conflict between caregivers can deeply affect children. This module teaches respectful and effective communication strategies that reduce tension and keep the focus on the child’s well-being. Parents will practice techniques such as “I” statements, neutral language, and parallel parenting approaches when necessary. Role-plays and group exercises will help participants learn to navigate conflict while protecting their child from stress.
Safety is the top priority in any family. This module addresses domestic violence, child abuse, and neglect, teaching parents how to recognize warning signs, understand the impact of abuse on children, and access resources for support. Participants will review Florida’s mandatory reporting requirements and engage in scenarios that highlight when and how to respond to concerns. Emphasis is placed on empowering parents to prioritize safety and stability for themselves and their children.
This module introduces participants to the basics of Florida family law, including parental responsibility, timesharing, parenting plans, and child support. Myths about custody and legal rights will be addressed to reduce confusion and misinformation. Parents will learn how the courts make decisions based on the “best interest of the child” standard and how cooperation and consistency impact legal outcomes. Interactive activities, such as a myth vs. fact quiz, reinforce learning.
Consistency in parenting schedules is critical to a child’s sense of stability. This module highlights the importance of predictable routines and explores how parents can develop child-centered parenting plans. Participants will practice drafting schedules that balance flexibility with structure, while also learning how positive transitions and consistent rules across households benefit children’s adjustment. The session closes with practical tools and templates to support timesharing success.
This test is design to recal what you have lerned through the Parenting Through Change course.
About the course
This 6-hour self-paced course helps parents navigate change, divorce, and co-parenting while keeping the best interests of their children at the center. Through evidence-based parenting tools and practical activities, you’ll learn to strengthen your relationship with your child and create a stable foundation for their well-being.
About the teacher
Sonni Pitts
MSW, Register Clinical Social Worker Intern, Certified Child Welfare Professional
Sonni Pitts is the founder of Graceful Healing Solutions, LLC. With over a decade of experience supporting children, families, and caregivers, she specializes in trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches to healing. As a mother of two, Sonni brings a compassionate, down-to-earth perspective, blending professional expertise with real-life parenting experience. Sonni is trained in modalities such as Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Child Adult Relationship Enhancement (CARE), Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI), and has exposure to Parent Child Interaction Therapy. Sonni created this course with the desire to equip caregivers with practical tools to support their children through life’s transitions.
