Cooperative Parenting Resources

The Cooperative Parenting Institute (CPI) offers a comprehensive suite of resources designed to support separated and divorcing families in fostering healthy co-parenting relationships. Their "For Parents" section provides tools, literature, and guidance aimed at minimizing conflict and prioritizing children's well-being during family transitions. Visit: https://cooperativeparenting.com/for-parents/

Foundational Co-Parenting Guidelines

CPI emphasizes the importance of clear, actionable rules to guide parents through the complexities of co-parenting. They offer a free downloadable PDF containing three sets of rules:​

  • Divorce Rules: Encourage parents to maintain respectful communication and shield children from adult conflicts.​

  • Co-Parenting Rules: Focus on collaboration and consistency between parents to provide stability for children.​

  • Fair Fighting Rules: Provide strategies for resolving disagreements constructively, ensuring that conflicts do not negatively impact the children.​

These guidelines serve as daily reminders for parents to remain child-focused and cooperative. ​

Parenting Plan Checklist

To assist parents in creating effective parenting plans, CPI offers a comprehensive checklist. This tool helps parents, mediators, and attorneys develop plans that address key aspects such as custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and decision-making responsibilities. The checklist ensures that all critical components are considered, promoting clarity and reducing potential conflicts. ​ Get the checklist here: https://cooperativeparenting.com/for-parents/parenting-plan-checklist/

Our Family Wizard: A Communication Tool

CPI recommends "Our Family Wizard," a co-parenting communication platform designed to facilitate conflict-free interactions between parents. The tool includes features such as a shared calendar, expense tracking, and secure messaging, all aimed at improving transparency and reducing misunderstandings. By centralizing communication, it helps parents manage their responsibilities effectively and keeps children out of parental disputes. Try the tool here: https://cooperativeparenting.com/for-parents/our-family-wizard/

Recommended Reading for Parents

CPI curates a selection of books to support parents in navigating the emotional and practical challenges of divorce and co-parenting:​

  • Cooperative Coparenting through Separation or Divorce Parent’s Guide: Offers strategies and activities to help parents shield their children from conflict and establish a cooperative co-parenting relationship. ​

  • The Coparents’ Communication Handbook: Provides insights into effective communication techniques to reduce misunderstandings and foster collaboration.​

  • Crossroads of Coparenting Parent’s Guide 2nd Edition: Focuses on helping parents recognize behaviors that may harm their children and offers steps to develop a positive co-parenting dynamic. ​

These resources are designed to equip parents with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful co-parenting.​

Literature for Children

Understanding that children also need support during family transitions, CPI recommends age-appropriate books to help them process their experiences:​

  • For Young Readers:

    • Amber Brown is Green with Envy by Paula Danziger

    • Mum and Dad Glue by Kes Gray

    • Two Homes Filled with Love by Steve Herman

  • For Older Readers:

    • For Better, For Worse: A Guide to Surviving Divorce for Preteens and their Families by Janet Bode and Stan Mack

    • Mom’s House, Dad’s House for Kids by Isolina Ricci

These books aim to provide comfort and understanding, helping children navigate the changes in their family dynamics. ​

Educational Webinars and Blog Resources

CPI offers free webinars addressing various aspects of co-parenting and divorce, such as managing loyalty conflicts and supporting children through transitions. Additionally, their blog covers topics including:

  • Children and Divorce​

  • Co-parenting Strategies​

  • Dating and Remarriage​

  • Divorce Recovery

These resources provide ongoing education and support for parents seeking to improve their co-parenting relationships. ​

Parenting Coordination Services

For high-conflict situations, CPI highlights the role of Parenting Coordination (PC) as a structured intervention to assist parents in implementing their parenting plans and resolving disputes. Unlike co-parenting counseling, which is confidential and non-reportable, PC is a non-confidential process that allows coordinators to report noncompliance to the court and make temporary recommendations when necessary. This service is particularly beneficial in cases involving significant parental conflict or court involvement. ​

Conclusion

The Cooperative Parenting Institute provides a wealth of resources aimed at supporting parents through the challenges of separation and divorce. By offering practical tools, educational materials, and professional guidance, CPI empowers parents to create a cooperative environment that prioritizes the well-being of their children.