Parenting In A Difficult Situation Web-based course

Dr. Kathy Bosch
University of Nebraska Extension Family Life Specialist
4502 Ave. I
Scottsbluff, NE 69361
308-632-1244

Parenting In A Difficult Situation is a basic parenting course developed by Dr. Kathy Bosch, University of Nebraska Extension Family Life Specialist, for those who are in difficult marriages or partner relationships.  Specifically, it is targeted for mothers who are living with abusive male partners.

Because the overwhelming majority of those abused are women, this course focuses on women and their mother role in parenting children. However, some the basic course principles may also apply to parents with a spouse/partner who is an alcoholic, drug user, gambler or displaying another human problem issue. Women live with their abusive male partner for an average of 11 years, and typically try to end the relationship about 7 or 8 times.

Research indicates that even when women are no longer living with their male abuser some forms of abuse continue, especially if there are children from the relationship.  This material is intended to enable conscientious and capable mothers to help themselves and their children as much as possible, given that they cannot control the abusers behavior or a patriarchal system that tends to pervade much of society, including law enforcement, legal, medical, and social service systems.

This course will be also be helpful to teachers, child care providers, advocates working with women in shelters, outreach programs, and other women’s services.

The course has 9 lessons with activities for each section.

• Lesson 1: You are a capable individual
• Lesson 2: You deserve to be free from abuse
• Lesson 3: Your children deserve to be free from abuse
• Lesson 4:  There are people and services who can help you
• Lesson 5: Build your support network
• Lesson 6: Take care of yourself
• Lesson 7: Ask for help
• Lesson 8: Sharpen your parenting skills
• Lesson 9: Safety first for the children and you

Each section may stand alone but it is best if you start from the beginning. In other words, one skill builds on another, and then another. The material and information is designed to help you recognize your skills and strengths at the same time asking you to decide what changes or action will be best for yourself and your children.

Registration and Enrollment

You may enroll in this class at any time and complete the lessons at your own rate.

There is a $35 subscription fee payable by check/money order.

• Pay by check/money order payable to the University of Nebraska by filling out this form (pdf) and mailing to the University of Nebraska Panhandle Center, 4502 Avenue I, Scottsbluff, NE 69361.

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Updated Jan. 3, 2007
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