FARMINGTON – Parenting during separation or divorce is the topic of a new workshop series being offered by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension in Franklin County.

The four-part series will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 7, 14, 21 and 28 at the Franklin County Extension Office at 147 Farmington Falls Road. There is no cost to participate, but participants must preregister by Oct. 2.

The series, “A Parent is Forever,” will focus on understanding the effects of separation or divorce; helping children – what they need and don’t need; moving from conflict to cooperation; and communicating effectively, getting through the anger, jealousy and revenge.

“Kids are typically hit the hardest when couples separate,” explains Wendy Legg Pollock, extension educator and leader of the workshop.

“The two people they probably love the most have decided that they don’t love each other anymore and can no longer live together. Regardless of the age, toddlers to teens, children struggle with a lot of feelings such as guilt, fear, anger and sadness, and they typically feel caught in the middle,” Pollock said. “This workshop will help parents to better understand the effects of separation or divorce on themselves and their children, and to support their kids through this difficult transition.”

For more information or to preregister, people can phone the Extension Office at 778-4650 or 1-800-287-1478.