Now that you’ve been through the course, has your thinking changed in any way? If so, why do you think this is? What techniques or changes to your behavior do you need to make to benefit your child or children during this time of transition.

Once you are ready to answer, press the “Start Assignment” button.

Listed below are eight actions and behaviors parents often use to help continue parenting effectively after separation. We have found using these actions and behaviors allows parents to reduce conflict and promote a positive environment for their child/children. As you read through, consider which actions or behaviors you use already and which ones you have trouble using.

1.  Keep my feelings out of the discussion when talking to the other parent; stay focused (when speaking to him/her) on parenting decisions for our child/children.
2. Find a way to “release” my anger or frustration (e.g. shooting hoops; yoga)
3. Stop myself from “bad-mouthing” the other parent in front of the child/children.
4. Stop expressing a wish that the other parent is not involved in the child/children’s lives.
5. Take more time to listen to the child/children (without distractions) and try to understand what they are saying.
6. Stop telling my co-parent about problems or changes that occur with the child/children when they are with me.
7. Handle communications better with the other parent: stop myself from asking the child/children to send messages for me.
8. Focus more on the child’s experiences after a “visit”; stop myself from asking the child/children to tell me what the other parent is doing.

After you have read through the list, you will be asked to pick the ONE action or behavior that you would like to improve on the most.

Once you are ready to begin, press the “Start Assignment” button.

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In the video on the previous screen, you saw parents discuss their experiences with co-parenting. What do you think is the key difference between these parents’ experiences?

Once you are ready to answer, press the “Start Assignment” button.

Part of the art of co-parenting is to think about things from the other parent’s point of view.  Are you the residential parent? If so, it may be tempting to think that the challenges and responsibilities are all yours. But the non-residential parent has issues too.

And likewise, if you’re a non-residential parent, what do you think are the key challenges faced by your former spouse who now has residential responsibilities for your child/children?

Once you are ready to answer, press the “Start Assignment” button.

Now that you’ve been through the course, has your thinking changed in any way? If so, why do you think this is? What techniques or changes to your behavior do you need to make to benefit your child or children during this time of transition.

Once you are ready to answer, press the “Start Assignment” button.

Erin, age 7, has always been told that she’s “just like her father.” At a recent family reunion, Erin was standing next to a group of adults while mom explained the divorce to a relative. All Erin kept hearing was how her dad was an “irresponsible, lazy, mean, rude, inconsiderate deadbeat dad”.

Do you think this is effective co-parenting? How do you think this conversation might affect Erin?

Once you are ready to answer, press the “Start Assignment” button.

We’ll now present two stories through the eyes of the children involved. The first is about Tony, a teenager who’s just spent a weekend with his father.

Tony, aged 14, has just come back from a great weekend with his dad. They played miniature golf, laser tag and saw a movie at a brand new state-of-the-art 3D Imax theater. During their three days together, they also went to a pro football game, shopped for rollerblades and got some new computer games.

Do you think this is effective co-parenting? What do you think is the focus of this trip?

Once you are ready to answer, press the “Start Assignment” button.

4-year-old Natalie is having a difficult time accepting the arrival of her brother, Josh.  Every time her mom, Valerie, or step-dad, Maurice attempt to attend to Josh’s needs, regardless if its feeding, changing, or bathing him, Natalie tries to squeeze her way in between Josh and her parents while gesturing to them to pick her up. Valeria and Maurice are patient with Natalie and reassure her that once they are done responding to Josh’s needs, they will give her the time and attention that she needs.  They understand that Natalie was not used to sharing their attention with anyone else until Josh came along.

So what might this child be feeling?

Once you are ready to answer, press the “Start Assignment” button.