Not getting on with your co-parent? We can relate.
What is parental conflict?
It doesn't matter if you're together or separated, if arguments or disagreements between you and your co-parent are frequent, intense and stay unresolved then this can cause long term issues for the family. Children exposed to parental relationship distress are more likely to experience problems in later life, and as a parent it can feel isolating and difficult when every conversation ends with an argument. Parental conflict is not domestic abuse. It can happen whether parents are together or separated.
How can we help?
We offer different types of support for parents, because we know that every family looks different and not all co-parents want the same kind of help. Perhaps you have recently separated and you are looking for support with communicating with your co-parent in a positive way? Perhaps you’ve recently had a baby and the arguments on top of all of the other demands are feeling never-ending? Maybe one of you works away and the other is left to manage the household?
We can relate
All of our practitioners are trained in supporting parents to reduce conflict, whatever your situation. Many of us are parents ourselves and we understand the pressure you might be under. We try not to work with anyone who doesn’t want to work with us to make positive changes.
Explore resources related to parental conflict
Stonewalling
Most of us have been guilty of ‘stonewalling’ our partners at one point.
Criticism in relationships
Frequently criticising your partner or being criticised by them can create a lot of tension in your relationship.
Free support for military parents
Strengthening parents programme for serving Armed Forces personnel (or veterans within last 12 months) and their co-parents
Co parenting every day (COPE)
Who? Parents who are still in a relationship or separated co-parents if they may be able to attend together.
Time to Complete? The programme runs for 1.5 hrs a week over 7 sessions, arranged flexibly to suit the parents.
Content? The programme is similar to couple counselling but focused on the co-parenting relationship and learning to work as a team. It looks at the thoughts and feelings behind conflict behaviour and promotes an awareness of how conflict affects the wellbeing of children.
Within my reach
Who? Couples who are still in a relationship. The programme is ideally undertaken by both parents but has been shown to have a positive impact even when only one parent engages in the programme.
Time to complete? The programme runs for one session a week over five weeks. Each session is approximately 1.5-2 hrs. There are some homework activities to complete (no more than half an hour each week).
Content? The programme helps couples to explore the underlying issues that may be causing conflict in their relationship and, using a workbook, provides practical tools to improve emotional regulation and communication.
Triple P
Who? Separating and divorced parents. One or both parents can undertake the programme. It is delivered primarily in digital groups. Parents do not attend together but attend separate groups.
Time to complete? Each group session is for two hours, and it runs over five weeks. There is some homework (not more than half an hour a week).
Content? The programme will give parents simple and practical strategies to help them nurture strong, healthy relationships after separation. The programme is delivered through a workbook and sessions include activities, videos and discussions. It gives parents a chance to meet other people who have had similar experiences.
Eligibility
- I am a parent of at least one child aged 17 years or younger or;
- I am a parent of a disabled child (under the Equality Act 2010) aged 25 years or younger; and
- I am a serving member of the Military or I am a Veteran; and
- I am experiencing problems in my relationship with my partner / ex-partner
The programmes are not suitable for couples, together or separated, where domestic abuse has been an issue, including coercive control. We will screen during initial assessment and will reject the referral if domestic abuse is identified, or a disclosure is made. We will signpost and/or refer to appropriate services where needed but will be led by the parent.
The programmes are voluntary, and parents should be willing and able to engage. Parents should not feel obliged to undertake a programme as part of a safeguarding or court ordered plan. If during the initial interview it is assessed that, due to current circumstances, the parent/s are not in the right place to engage then we will signpost to a different service where possible.
This is a partnership between Relate and Home Start