Communication and Co-Parenting Tools
Effective communication between parents is one of the strongest predictors of children’s adjustment after separation. This section highlights research on programs, tools, and strategies that help parents reduce conflict, coordinate caregiving, and build healthier co-parenting relationships.
Improving Co-Parenting and Communication Through the Family Foundations Program
Feinberg, M. E., Kan, M. L., & Goslin, M. C. (2008). Journal of Family Psychology.
This randomized controlled trial evaluated Family Foundations, a structured program that teaches communication, teamwork, and conflict-management skills. Although originally designed for expectant couples, the program demonstrates how targeted co-parenting tools improve parent adjustment and child outcomes.
-
Structured co-parenting programs improve communication and teamwork between parents.
-
Parents report lower conflict, better emotional regulation, and more supportive interactions.
-
Improved co-parenting is associated with fewer behavior problems and better adjustment in children.
-
Skills such as conflict de-escalation, turn-taking, and joint problem-solving have transferable value for separated parents.
Can Online Parent Education Meet the Needs of the Courts and Families?
O’Hara, K. L., Sandler, I. N., Wolchik, S. A., Tein, J.-Y., & Jones, S. (2024). Family Court Review.
This study evaluated online parenting programs used by courts to educate separated or divorcing parents. The findings show that online delivery can effectively teach communication skills, reduce misunderstandings between co-parents, and improve parents’ ability to support their children during transitions.
-
Online parent education is a feasible and effective tool for court-involved families.
-
Parents report improvements in communication, conflict management, and clarity around roles.
-
Programs increase parents’ sense of preparation for co-parenting after separation.
-
Online access reduces barriers such as travel, scheduling, and cost — helping more families benefit.
Study Title(Year)
Authors, Authors and more
Authors(YEAR)
A brief summary of the study will appear here. This section will include one to two sentences explaining the purpose of the research and its relevance to parenting, attachment, or child development. The summary will be concise, parent-friendly, and easy to understand.
-
Placeholder finding #1 describing a major takeaway from the study
-
Placeholder finding #2 highlighting a relevant outcome
-
Placeholder finding #3 summarizing an important implication
Read Full Study →
Evaluating the “Co-Parenting for Successful Kids” Online Program
Choi, J. K., Oh, S. S., & Ha, Y. (2018). Journal of Human Sciences and Extension.
This study evaluated an online co-parenting education program designed for divorced and separated parents. Parents reported that the program helped them understand healthy co-parenting behaviors, communicate more effectively, reduce conflict, and make decisions that better support their children’s well-being.
-
Online co-parenting education improves communication and cooperation between separated parents.
-
Parents felt better prepared to resolve conflict and support their children after participation.
-
Parents reported gaining specific skills for reducing tension and improving interactions with the other parent.
-
Online delivery increases accessibility for families who cannot attend in-person programs.
Study Title(Year)
Authors, Authors and more
Authors(YEAR)
A brief summary of the study will appear here. This section will include one to two sentences explaining the purpose of the research and its relevance to parenting, attachment, or child development. The summary will be concise, parent-friendly, and easy to understand.
-
Placeholder finding #1 describing a major takeaway from the study
-
Placeholder finding #2 highlighting a relevant outcome
-
Placeholder finding #3 summarizing an important implication
Read Full Study →
Study Title(Year)
Authors, Authors and more
Authors(YEAR)
A brief summary of the study will appear here. This section will include one to two sentences explaining the purpose of the research and its relevance to parenting, attachment, or child development. The summary will be concise, parent-friendly, and easy to understand.
-
Placeholder finding #1 describing a major takeaway from the study
-
Placeholder finding #2 highlighting a relevant outcome
-
Placeholder finding #3 summarizing an important implication
Read Full Study →