What it is?

 TransParenting consists of a four-hour seminar. This seminar is led by a  two-member team of masters-level counseling professionals who facilitate the group experience. This seminar requires you to take the time to see divorce and family change through the eyes of your child. The content of this seminar focuses on various dimensions of divorce (emotional, legal, economic, community, etc.) and its effects on children (reactions to divorce, new family structures, getting help when needed, etc.). Participants will be provided with concrete examples of situations that may occur in a divorcing family and illustrates methods for responding in ways that will  protect the well-being of your children.
 

 To date, more than one million parents have successfully completed the program. It has been profiled on 20/20, The Today Show, CNN, The New York Time, and Parade Magazine. In 1997, the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges awarded Families First their “Unique and Innovative Projects Award."

 Evaluations from more than 100 jurisdictions where the program is operational demonstrate a consistently high rating from parents attending TransParenting seminars. Despite being mandated to attend, more than 94 percent of parents consistently evaluate the program as being "helpful" to "extremely helpful." In fact, Ninety-eight percent would recommend the program to others.

 Judges play a critical role in the divorce process as advocates for the children involved. Almost all judges agreed that Transparenting benefits families. In fact, ninety-eight percent said the program has lessened the negative effects of divorce on children and 80 percent of the judges surveyed observed that Transparenting was helping parents to reach an agreement on custody arrangements.

 A judge in Alabama commented, "The best thing I have done during my term of office was to mandate attendance at the program." More to the point, a judge in Colorado said, "It is one of the few things we do in the process that is designed to have a positive impact on kids."
 

FAQ

How much does this program cost?
 Transparenting costs $40.00 per participant. The Center is a non-profit organization. This amount goes toward paying the expenses of providing the program. 

What if I am not able to come on Saturday that I signed up for?
 The Center as offers Transparenting on Tuesday night for those that can not come on Saturday.

How long is this seminar?
 This seminar is a total of 4 hours long. This does include a break so that  participants stay refreshed and attentive.

If I don't get child support payments I don't let my child see the other parent.  Right?
 In Tennessee, it is illegal to withhold visitation for unpaid child support. Not only is it illegal, but can be damaging to the children.  It is unfair to the child to deny him/her access to the other parent because child support payment is late or has not been made.

Can my wife and I come on the same day?
 The Center does not prohibit couples coming to the same seminar. However, it is important for both of you to behave like adults. If any outbursts occur, one or both of you will be asked to leave. Every situation is different. Thus, we ask that both you and your partner discuss attending the same seminar and come to a decision together. 

I went to a parenting seminar that talked about “Co-Parenting.”  My “ex” is not doing any of the things they told us to do.  What do I do when my “co-parent” will not co-parent?
 The reality is that the only thing you have control over is your response to a situation.  In difficult situations like this one, this means concentrating on your relationship with your child.  Use your new co-parenting skills to develop a nurturing relationship  with your child.   Lay the groundwork now for a positive connection with your child that will last through their adulthood.

Schedule

Shelbyville
 Transparenting seminars are held at our main office located on the east side of the town square. At this location, we will provide both Saturday morning and Tuesday evening classes. Saturday morning classes begin at 8:00 and end at 12:00pm. Tuesday evening classes begin at 6:00 and end at 10:00. Please plan to arrive at least 10 minutes before the announced start time. This will ensure that the seminar starts and ends on time.