What Are Co-Parenting Classes?

Parenting classes (also called co-parenting classes)differences in future parenting issues.
are frequently ordered by the court when parentsParents who complete the classes learn techniques
divorce. They are not intended to teach parents howand strategies that help, not only with the children and
to parent, they are designed to teach parents how totheir ex, but in their day to day life. Many parents have
meet the needs of the children during and after thetold us that implementing what they have learned in our
divorce. Co-parenting classes provide lessons that helpclasses has helped them communicate better in their
parents learn to work together no matter the feelingsdaily life.
they have towards each other.While classes may differ in the approach, most
Divorce is a big adjustment, not only for the parentsparenting or co-parenting classes will include:
who have control over the situation, but for the children- Parenting styles and how to work together to
who are confused, frightened and have no control.balance your styles.
Parents are often so engrossed in their own problems- Stages children go through and their needs at each
that they forget about the strain on the children.stage.
Co-parenting classes teach divorcing parents how to- Effects of divorce on children.
negotiate for the good of the children.- How to talk to the children about the divorce.
When one - or both - parents cannot set aside their- How to ensure that children are clear on what is
differences when making decisions about the children,happening and what is expected of them.
the children are forced to make the transition from one- Helping children build good self esteem.
parenting style to another. They are faced with- Reducing stress.
conflicting rules and discipline. In a time when they need- Effective Communication.
consistency, they find inconsistency. Parenting or- Implementing a parenting plan.
co-parenting classes help parents set aside their