Parenting-time Coaching: Children First

Couples who are in the divorce process can find it difficult to see past their dashed expectations, hurt feelings, and intense emotions and truly keep their children first when discussing parenting time. Each child has their own needs, and they depend on their parents to look out for them - keeping them safe in the divorce process. Parenting-time coaching can help parents discuss sensitive topics while keeping the focus on a child-centered outcome. For example, parents my have different views about cell phone usage, participation in sports, family engagement, and new partners. Parents' concerning topics can be discussed, child(ren)'s needs identified, and agreeable solutions can be explored in a neutral coaching environment.

Learning to communicate and respect one another's decision-making roles as parents can be difficult for divorcing couples to do on their own. Unfortunately, the communication and compatibility challenges that may have contributed to divorce could still carry the potential to cause obstacles when trying to discuss parenting-time plans. A parenting-time coach can support productive discussions and teach transformational approaches to difficult conversations.

Transforming the way that parents relate to one another, during and after divorce, can benefit everyone involved. Imagine if you could learn how to work together for the sake of your children...now, imagine how your children would feel if they could rely on their parents to get along. Or, at least not to fight.

Parenting-time coaching and post-divorce coaching can help you and your children by keeping the focus on transformational communication and child-centered goals. If divorce is happening, maybe the best thing you can do as a parent is to learn how to co-parent well.

What do you think?