If you are recently separated and in the process of divorce, you have probably been introduced to the term “co-parenting”. Dozens of studies have shown that a successful divorce involving children is one in which both parents put aside their conflict and stay available to work together to raise their child. In this vain, one of the first things that parents should do when they decide to end a marriage is to jointly be honest with their kids and tell them what’s going on in an age-appropriate manner. If the child senses something is amiss but doesn’t hear exactly what it is, they will begin to make assumptions that can cause even more stress and confusion than the actual truth.
Years of research has shown that although as parents we might feel like we are destroying our children’s lives, of the 1.5 million kids in the U.S. whose parents divorce every year, only a small percentage experience serious long-term effects. There is no question that raising children between two homes can be frustrating and challenging. However, effective co-parenting has a significant effect on the outcome. Caregivers who work together to co-parent reduce the short-term feelings of anxiety, anger, shock, disbelief, and abandonment that their children are going through. These parents understand that the child’s needs are more important than their own and are able to successfully reduce the overall trauma by creating a stable, structured and consistent two household lifestyle.
Based on this knowledge, most divorcing parents today are mandated to take co-parenting classes as part of the legal process. These classes provide comprehensive education and guidance to help keep the transition as safe and supportive as possible. There are key characteristics of a successful co-parenting relationship that are vital for a positive outcome. They include open communication, consistency, and optimism, flexibility at working with change, compromise and never undermining or criticizing the other parent in front of the kids. These are all terms that might look easy on paper but aren’t always easy to adhere to, especially if there is a lot of unresolved conflict.
The easiest and most convenient way to learn the skills necessary to successfully enact these goals is to take a well-respected online co-parenting program. It is highly suggested that you don’t just go with the cheapest class, but do some research about the quality of the program. Look for one that is designed and operated by a licensed and practicing Family Therapist to insure legitimacy. Check that the company has an A+ BBB rating and that there are no additional costs to receive a Certificate of Completion to show the legal system. Enrolling in an online class enables you to stay in the quiet and comfort of your own home. It also alleviates the stress of trying to fit a weekly class into your already busy schedule and of trying to find a babysitter while you are gone. Online classes can be accessed 24/7 so you can learn while the kids are napping, at school or late at night while they are sleeping.
So, there’s no need to look at this court mandate as another hassle in your already chaotic life. Instead, get approval to take the classes online and know that the skills you learn will benefit everyone involved!