Can I Take a Co-Parenting Class Alone?

Perhaps you received a court order to take some form of co-parenting class. Or maybe you just recognize the need for change in your relationship with your ex for the benefit of your children and want to take steps to work toward that end. Perhaps the other parent refuses to take any type of co-parenting class. So maybe you are wondering if you can take a co-parenting class alone? And will it still benefit your children?

It isn’t divorce itself or familial separation that harms children. Instead, it is the conflict between parents that can have a major negative impact on kids. That doesn’t have to happen though. This is where co-parenting comes in.

What is Co-Parenting?

Co-parenting is when both parents play an active role in their children’s daily lives.  It ensures that your child’s needs are met through being in close relationships with both parents. Both parents are still parents. But the term “co-parenting” refers to a parenting relationship in which both parents of a child assume joint responsibility for the child’s upbringing. A solid co-parenting arrangement has the following characteristic dynamics between parents:

• Communication
• Cooperation
• Compromise
• Consistency

Another hugely important aspect of the co-parenting philosophy is learning to recognize and work through your own struggles and contributions to the divorce. If you can learn to better identify problems at hand and negotiate solutions objectively it will go a long way toward maintaining peace and workability.

Benefits of taking a co-parenting class are:

• Achieving consistency in communication, schedules and expectations help children feel secure and stable. Children who feel comfortable and at home regardless of which parent’s house they are at (because both parents are unified in their decisions and philosophies regarding the upbringing of their kids), they are more able to adapt to and face the daily challenges they are faced with without being overwhelmed.
• Solid relationships. Co-parenting delivers a framework in which children can develop while maintaining healthy relationship with both parents.
• Conflict resolution. Children watch and learn, including watching relationships and conflict resolution around them during your breakup. Effective co-parenting can help children learn how to handle painful or undesirable situations with others while remaining cooperative.
• Role model: You children learn more from how you are going through life than from what you say to them.  You are their biggest role model and what you do now impacts what they will do as they grow up.

Although a co-parenting class does not eliminate all of the emotional and social consequences that accompany a separation or divorce, it can help you give your children a safe environment where they can work through their sadness and begin to adapt.

Can I take a Co-Parenting Class Alone?

Perhaps you can’t take a class at the same time as your ex because of scheduling conflicts or your ex refuses to take part in the process.  You can absolutely take a co-parenting class alone. Your ex does not have to take a class in order for things to begin to improve. One aspect of parenting with another parent that makes it challenging is that we often look to the other parent in order to change things for the better. But expecting someone else to change can be completely frustrating and may never happen – as you know. A co-parenting class can help you learn how to change a situation for the better, regardless of how your co-parent responds.

What will I Learn?

At a co-parenting class, you will learn many things, including the following:

• How to understand emotional triggers and your reactions so you can better control them.
• That your co-parent has no control over your happiness and life.
• What your children need in your family and how you can develop strong relationships with them.
• How to use mindful tactics to manage difficult emotions associated with co-parenting.

Along with the above benefits, in our co-parenting class you can learn how to find more peace and joy in your life and for your child.  Here is a useful resource on going through the co-parenting process.