Program Overview

Background:  Research studies that focus on children's adjustment to divorce all come to the same conclusion:  It is not the divorce that undermines a child's health and well-being for  a lifetime,  it is the conflict between their parents that damages them!    "Cooperative Parenting" is the pre-eminent divorce education program in San Diego that prevents and minimizes parental conflict.  It is a proven program that has transformed countless families where children are growing up in two homes. 

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WHAT DO GRADUATES SAY?

More than half of our participants are ordered to take the class.   96% of our parent graduates say they would recommend "Cooperative Parenting" to others in a similar situation.   Some samples of parent comments are:

• "I learned to let go of things that cannot be changed.  That has meant more peace of mind for me."
• "Talking to others in the class and listening to their problems and solutions helped me find my own solutions."
• "I learned that we will be in a lifelong relationship and it is up to us ALONE to improve that relationship for the sake of our kids."
• "I am shocked, but I am losing my anger."
• "I learned that, when one of us says hateful things about the other, it is an arrow that passes through our child's heart."
• "I learned that the other parent has the same fears that I do.  I can't believe I am saying this, but I have become more understanding."
• "Our group leader did a great job of giving people a chance to talk, but she also kept us on topic so we could get through all of the material."
• "I learned a more positive way to look at relationships, not only with my co-parent but with other people in my life too.  I will NEVER forget the quote that "I cannot control other people.  I can only control myself."

 Introductions
Review of "Core Beliefs and Values"
The limits and benefits of accepting personal responsibility
Pragmatic approaches to achieve detachment and improved communication
Group activity:  Self Management Strategies
Homework assignment

SESSION TWO:       

Homework Review
Smart Substitutions:   Using strategies that work
Communication Lecture:  Assertiveness training, Active and reflective listening, Solution-focused communication 
Role Plays:  Using what we have learned  
Homework assignment

SESSION THREE:    

Homework Review
More about effective communication using role plays
Anger management tactics
Group Discussion:  Our mistakes and what we learned
Building on co-parenting ground rules
Course review and assessment

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COURSE GOALS  

• Reduce or eliminate conflict between parents
• Achieve emotional detachment and business-like rapport between parents
• Establish reasonable and effective communication
•  Decrease reliance on the family court for solving problems and resolving disputes
• Encourage parents' willingness to accept greater personal responsibity for maintaining a good working alliance with the other parent
• Give parents practical ideas and skills for extinguishing hostility and improving cooperation among all the adults in the child's life