Co-Parent Coaching
How do you make sure your children get all the love and support they need even when the family is changing?
Divorce and separation usually represent an ending but, for parents, the end of a romantic relationship means the beginning of a new parenting relationship. Navigating that new family dynamic can be tricky under any circumstances, especially when there is a lot of hurt, anger, frustration and disappointment between former partners.
As a co-parenting coach, I help parents work on their communication, clarity and collaboration to ensure that their children continue to get the love and support they need.
With a focus on what’s best for the kiddos, we come up with a plan to nurture their sense of security from two households instead of one.
I know that even in the face of great turmoil and conflict, you can be the exact parent your child needs.
Frequently asked questions about Co-Parent Coaching:
What is a co-parenting coach?
While working with separating couples as a mediator, I’ve often been involved in developing custody schedules, co-parenting plans and guidelines for both parents to follow to give the children consistent boundaries. Over time, I have begun to work with one or both parents to help decrease conflict, improve communication, and co-parent more effectively.
What aspects of co-parenting does a coach help with?
Parenting plan -
I work with parents to develop, revise or update parenting plan, including custody schedule as you formalize your separation/divorce.
Communication -
I am available to review and edit emails and texts to co-parent or other adults in the children’s lives (teacher, childcare providers, family friends, healthcare providers, etc.).
I act as a bridge for co-parents to have conversations about what their children need, and how they can collaborate to provide it, even while in conflict. This can be in a joint conversation or in individual meetings with me (parallel parenting).
Family preparation -
I collaborate with parents who are considering divorce in making a plan for the timing of their separation and/or for talking to their children. Together, we decide how to tell your children they’re going to live separately, but still be loved.
Parenting guidance -
I am available to provide home visits to parents during custody times to help problem-solve parenting challenges.
I help generate ideas with separated or divorcing parents on parenting across two households, addressing your family’s unique circumstances
Support professional referrals and relationships -
Provide referrals to child psychologists, adult counseling services, mediators, family law attorneys, schools for children of divorce, parenting educators, etc.
I can work as a team with other mental health and legal professionals you are relying on through your divorce process.
Parenting/Divorce education resources -
I have many parenting resources to share to help support and educate you through your divorce and co-parenting experience – podcasts, articles, books, videos.
Do both parents have to work with a co-parenting coach?
No. I work with individual parents or two (or more) parents in a child’s life to give guidance and support so that you can be the best parent for your child.
What does co-parenting coaching actually involve?
This depends on your unique situation. My work with parents often involves a combination of video and/or phone sessions, in person meetings and, at times, home visits. Before working together, we will develop a plan for how frequent our sessions will be, and in what format.