SMILE (formerly GEAR Up)

S.M.I.L.E (Start Making It Livable for Everyone) is a co-parenting program presented by the Wexford/Missaukee Friend of the Court to help parents learn how to co-parent while putting their children first and not in the middle.  S.M.I.L.E. is mandated for all parents with new Friend of the Court cases and also by Court order.  However, anyone interested in learning more about becoming a better co-parent is also welcome to sign up.

This three-session presentation helps parents learn how to best navigate the ins and outs of co-parenting from two different homes by minimizing the negative aspects for everyone involved and building the foundation for a strong future, for both the parents and the children.

The first session looks at the law and how adverse childhood experiences (or ACEs) can affect you and how you parent your children. The second session looks at how to co-parent with a focus on communication and how separation or divorce effects your children. The third session talks about various issues, such as distracted parenting, parental alienation, introducing a significant other to your children, and other issues that affect co-parenting and your children.

All sessions are at 9:00 am and 5:30 pm at the Friend of the Court office, 401 N. Lake Street, in Cadillac.  If you have any questions or would like to sign up for the next S.M.I.L.E. session, you may call 231-779-9494 and speak to Brooklyn Stephens at extension 2013. 

2021 DATES