Is a Parenting Class Right for You?
5 signs a parenting class can help your co-parenting situation.
- 3.5 min read
- guest author
- education
Parenting after a separation or divorce comes with unique challenges. Co-parenting requires patience, communication, and a child-centered mindset, but emotions can often get in the way. If you’ve ever felt frustrated trying to navigate shared responsibilities, struggled with communication, or worried about how high conflict co-parenting is affecting your child, you’re not alone.
Many parents in similar situations ask themselves, “Is a parenting class right for me?” The truth is that parenting classes—especially those designed specifically for co-parents and their specific situations—can provide valuable tools to help you navigate conflict, improve communication, and create a more peaceful environment for your child.
Programs like Children In Between Online provide practical strategies to help parents reduce stress and prioritize their children’s well-being. So, how can you tell if a parenting class is right for you? Let’s explore the signs that you could benefit from a co-parenting class, what you can expect to learn, and how it can help both you and your child.
Will I benefit from a parenting class?
In most situations, enrolling in and taking a parenting class can help you learn how to manage your relationship more effectively. Still, there are some signals you can look for that indicate these classes are a potential game-changer for you and your family. Here are 5 signs you could benefit from a parenting class.
1. You and your co-parent struggle to communicate
If every conversation with your co-parent turns into an argument or leads to frustration, a parenting class can help reduce these issues. These classes teach parents to communicate more effectively using “I” statements, active listening, and non-confrontational approaches. Learning these skills can reduce tension and prevent unnecessary conflict, making co-parenting smoother for everyone involved.
2. Your child feels caught in the middle
Many parents don’t realize how often their children feel stuck between them. Asking kids to relay messages, badmouthing the other parent in front of them, or making them feel guilty about time spent with the other parent are common co-parenting mistakes that can cause stress and anxiety. A parenting class helps you recognize these behaviors and replace them with alternatives that keep your child out of adult conflicts.
3. Conflict with your co-parent affects your child
Research shows that high conflict is one of the most damaging experiences for children after divorce. When kids witness ongoing arguments or feel pressured to choose sides, they are at greater risk for anxiety, depression, and behavioral problems. Parenting classes teach conflict resolution skills and high conflict co-parenting tips that allow you to manage disagreements without putting stress on your child.
4. You want to improve your co-parenting relationship
Although you and your co-parent may not constantly fight, you likely still struggle to cooperate or agree on co-parenting decisions. Whether you need strategies for high conflict conversations or tips for everyday discussions, a parenting class can help. These courses provide tips for setting healthy boundaries, working through disagreements, and creating a more structured, peaceful co-parenting dynamic.
5. The court has recommended a parenting class
Many family courts require or recommend co-parenting classes to help parents improve communication and conflict resolution. Even if it’s not mandatory in your case, taking a class can demonstrate your commitment to being the best co-parent possible for your child. In some instances, doing so can even be beneficial to your case’s legal proceedings.
What will I learn in a parenting class?
Parenting and co-parenting classes aren’t all about telling you how to raise your child. In addition to teaching these lessons, these courses offer research-backed techniques to help you manage and heal from conflict, communicate better, and protect your child’s emotional well-being.
For example, here are some key skills covered in the Children In Between Online course:
- Managing your emotions: Learn how to handle negative emotions like frustration and anger in a way that keeps interactions positive.
- Communicating effectively: Discover strategies for talking to your co-parent without hostility, blame, or misinterpretation.
- Reducing stress for your child: Find out how to avoid putting your child in the middle and make transitions between homes smoother.
- Handling tough topics: Get advice for discussing finances, custody schedules, and new relationships in a way that minimizes conflict.
- Using problem-solving strategies: Learn techniques for resolving disagreements without escalating tension or involving legal battles.
How can a parenting class help my child?
Co-parenting classes often teach you how to create a more stable and supportive environment for your child. Raising kids with a secure attachment style helps them feel emotionally at ease, setting them up for long-term success. You can work alone or with your co-parent to support your children’s attachment and well-being.
Children in co-parenting situations do best when they:
- Feel safe and secure in both parents’ homes
- Know that their parents can communicate without fighting
- Aren’t pressured to take sides or relay messages
- Have consistent routines and expectations
- How do I get started with a parenting class?
The great thing about modern parenting classes is that they are flexible, convenient, and accessible. With online options like Children in Between Online, you can register for and complete the course at your own pace from anywhere without the need to attend in-person meetings.
Taking the first step may feel intimidating, but the benefits far outweigh any hesitation. By equipping yourself with the right communication strategies and tools, you can reduce stress, improve your co-parenting relationship, and create a happier, healthier future for your child.
Click here to learn more about co-parenting classes.