By Patrick Baron

PONTIAC – Going through a divorce can take a toll on the entire family, from the parents to the children.

Speaking with WJEZ’s Todd Wineburner, Institute for Human Resources Executive Director Joe Vaughan said the splitting of a family can throw kids into a whirlpool of uncertainty.

“Kids have a variety of reactions to it. They’re sad, they’re angry, they sometimes feel guilt, they feel lonely, they have anxiety about what to expect because that’s going to become unknown to them to some degree,” Vaughan explained.

Vaughan said in some instances, kids can be relieved if their parents are unhappy in their relationship. He added that parents need to help kids through a divorce, no matter what they are feeling.

“It’s an adjustment for parents as well, you’ve got to put the kids first and help them adjust to the process and be patient with them,” said Vaughan.

Vaughan noted there is a four hour class available called “Children First” for parents to take if they are going through a divorce. He said it helps them iron out some issues that may be lingering on the surface.

“If you’re going through a divorce, you must, before the divorce is officially completed, go through this four hour class,” Vaughan said. “Basically that’s what its purpose is, to help parents put the swords down and find a way to get along and co-parent without all the in-fighting.”

Vaughan said the class has seen levels of success in helping the parents and kids find a level of normalcy amid the divorce.

Patrick Baron can be reached at [email protected].