Cooperative Parenting Curriculum Outline

Cooperative Parenting helps separated, divorced or never-married parents develop a good working relationship so that their children can grow up in a healthy and cooperative environment.  Each parent attends a separate Cooperative Parenting workshop.  Cooperative Parenting encourages and welcomes other adults such as step-parents, significant others, and grandparents. Attendees participate in three sessions during a three week period.  Each session meets for 2.5 hours for a total of 7.5 hours.  Topics presented include:: 

Session One: 

·        Introductions:  brief history of members and goals

·        Discussion of core beliefs and co-parent rules

·        The benefits and limitations of accepting personal responsibility.

·        The power of enlightened self interest and competent self management

·        Changing our perspectives: A new view of our co-parent and ourselves

·        Compassion, gratitude and respect in the face of suspicion and hostility:  why it works

·        Brief video and discussion: A glimpse of the child whose parents engage in warfare

·        Homework Assignment

Session Two:

·        Homework review and check in

·        Sensible Substitutions -  replacing non-productive approaches with strategies that work

·        Communication Lecture  Part One:

1. Assertiveness Training   2. Using "I " Messages 3. Active and Reflective Listening

4. Solution-focused communication 5. Understanding the mechanics of communication

·        Role Plays: Practicing good communication skills & group critique

·        Homework Assignment.

Session Three:

·        Homework review and check in

·        Communication Lecture Part Two:  More skills  training using vignettes                                     

·        Anger Management Tactics

·        Visualizations from the child's perspective

·        Acknowledging our mistakes: Group Discussion

·        Building on Co-parenting Ground Rules:  Some additional tips that work

·        Summary Lecture

·        Review of course