Parenting Groups at Cooperative Parent Services are based on Boyan and Termini’s Cooperative Parenting and Divorce:  A Parent Guide to Effective Co-Parenting, an easy-to-read parent workbook. Groups run Eight-Weeks and cover topics from the Workbook.

Contact Our Office for Further Information at:  706.565.0555

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Chapter One - Making the Commitment to Caring (Child-Focused or Out of Focus). Parents learn to recognize parental hostility and discover how conflict impacts their child’s development.

Chapter Two - Allowing My Child to Love Both Parents (Plan for Peace or Tug of War). For the sake of their child, parents learn to view their former spouse from their child’s perspective. Parents work to identify the positive and valuable qualities of the child’s other parent.

Chapter Three - Changing My Long Term Role (Letting Go or Holding On). Parents examine their attachment to their former spouse. They discover that their anger and bitterness keep them emotionally attached to one another in much the same was as their love once did.

Chapter Four - Choosing My Personal Path (Make it Better or Keep it Bitter). Parents clarify their personal choices and identify a personal path. The term "realignment" is introduced to assist parents in creating a new role as co-parents.

Chapter Five - Managing My Own Anger (Neither Fight nor Take Flight). Parents explore the emotion of anger. They determine what anger is, the internal and external signals of anger, constructive versus destructive anger, anger triggers, and the consequences of harboring anger. Parents recognize their distorted beliefs and how their negative assumptions create negative feelings toward the other parent.

Chapter Six - Taking Control of Conflict (Defuse or Light the Fuse). Parents examine the cycle of conflict using concepts of "fire prevention." Barriers to effective conflict resolution are highlighted and techniques to over come these barriers are practiced. They identify ways to defuse conflict for themselves and their child. Parents learn effective communication and listening skills.

Chapter Seven - Negotiating Agreement (All a Winner or Winner Take All). Problem-solving techniques and business relationship skills are examined from a divorced parent position. A seven step negotiation method is demonstrated.

Chapter Eight - Co-Parenting is Forever (Cooperation or Conflict). Parents review their commitment to care, the notion of "child-focused" versus "self-focused" as well as communication and negotiation skills. Parents are introduced to techniques to determine the validity of their concerns, the seriousness of their concerns, and practice how to address these issues in a productive manner.  Forever" ceremony at the end of the program.