“Many single parents, however, find it difficult to function effectively as parents. Compared with continuously married parents, they are less emotionally supportive of their children, have fewer rules, dispense harsher discipline, are more inconsistent in dispensing discipline, provide less supervision, and engage in more conflict with their children.” VOL. 15 / NO. 2 / FALL 2005  

Many parents in this situation come in for counselling feeling “overwhelmed” at their “wits end,” and it’s like they’re “losing their mind.”

What can be done?  Fortunately, for those parents (even one) who are open to assistance and willing to put the marital dispute aside, cooperative parenting coaching is quite beneficial for improving family functioning.  Learning what is helpful when adjusting after a separation and developing an effective co-parenting plan specific to your situation can significantly reduce stress and improve social, emotional, cognitive and academic or vocational functioning.

Both children and parents can do better at school and work, and with each other, with a clearly defined and equitable co-parenting agreement.

Our Oshawa counsellors can assist you with adjusting after separation and divorce and help you develop great co-parenting plans.

Saying separation and divorce is difficult, challenging, or hard, is a major understatement! It can have a worse impact than many other significant losses. Most of us had little to no training for marriage. Once we struggle, there can be a tendency to blame ourselves or our co-parents. Training in adulthood can prevent unnecessary conflict, stress, and harm to ourselves, our co-parents and our children. Co-operative parenting coaching can help co-parents develop a new game plan to lead their family through this trying life transition.