Communicating with your ex-partner while also navigating the stress of separation can be very difficult. Learning to co-parent and make decisions about your children can be especially complicated and stressful for parents who have recently separated and are experiencing heightened emotions.
Unfortunately, when parents struggle to communicate with each other, children are often exposed to conflict. While there is no easy “fix” or guidebook to co-parenting, it is important that separated parents learn how to communicate in a child focused way.
To learn about how separated parents can work together and minimise the stress of separation on children, we suggest that parents undertake co-parenting courses to learn skills and tools which will come in handy when making decisions about what is in their children’s best interests.
Some of the co-parenting courses we suggest are:
Parenting After Separation – Relationships Australia
What does the course cover?
- How you can best meet your children’s needs during separation.
- The best ways to manage conflict.
- Recognising triggers for possible conflicts with your ex-partner.
- Constructive and safe communication of your emotions.
- How to reflect and set goals for the future
Delivery: The program is delivered online in groups of 8-12 participants. The sessions will occur weekly for a period of 6 weeks and occur for about 2 hours in duration.
Costs: Based on a sliding scale depending on your income.
The link to the website is: Parenting After Separation | Focus On Kids (relationshipsnsw.org.au)
Family Transitions – Triple P
What does the course cover?
- How you can build your communication skills to co-parent effectively with your ex-partner.
- Supporting yourself and your child/ren to manage their emotions about separation.
- Handling difficult moments for yourself and child/ren more calmly and confidently.
- Problem solving and communicating with your former partner.
- How you can adapt and evolve in your new family dynamic.
Delivery: The program is delivered online, which means that you can complete it at your own pace. Each of the six modules take on average about an hour to complete.
Costs: Free!
The link to the website is: Online program for separating or divorcing parents – create stability | Triple P (triplep-parenting.net.au)
Additionally, Triple P also offers the following free parenting courses which specifically address your child’s needs based on their age:
- Triple P for Baby – Online program for new parents | A positive start for baby, and you | Triple P (triplep-parenting.net.au)
- Triple P under 12 – Online program, research-backed | Positive parenting strategies | Triple P (triplep-parenting.net.au)
Parents Not Partners – Interrelate
What does the course cover?
- Skills to manage conflict with the other parent.
- The importance of child-focused parenting and the negative effects of exposing children to conflict.
- How you can best regulate and manage your emotions when communicating with the other parent.
- Escalating communication with the other parent to be respectful and cooperative.
- The importance of reflecting on your interactions with the other parent.
Delivery: This program is delivered in person in a group setting. The program is available at the following locations throughout New South Wales: Hamilton, Gosford, Lismore, Port Macquarie, Dubbo, Coffs Harbour and Caringbah.
Costs: Range between $15-25 per group session.
The link to the website is: Support for parents after separation – Interrelate
It can also be helpful to speak with a family lawyer about how to navigate your co-parenting relationship and custody arrangements for your children after you have separated.
We have experienced solicitors in Newcastle and the Central Coast area that can help you through your family law matter.
We offer a fixed fee initial consultation for $220. Simply Contact one of our friendly staff members to make an appointment.
