Parent Coordination
Guiding Parents Toward Harmony and Understanding After Separation
Parenting coordination is a supportive process that helps parents work together more effectively during or after separation or divorce. It focuses on reducing conflict, improving communication, and keeping the child’s well-being at the center of every decision.
What Is Parenting Coordination
Parenting coordination combines elements of education, mediation, and coaching. A parenting coordinator is a neutral professional who helps parents manage disputes, follow parenting plans, and build healthier communication habits.
This process can be voluntary or court-ordered and is designed for families who experience frequent disagreements about parenting decisions such as schedules, communication, school, or activities.
The goal is not to take sides or make decisions for the parents, but to guide them toward agreements that are realistic, consistent, and supportive of their child’s needs.
How It Works
During sessions, the parenting coordinator meets with both parents to:
- Identify areas of disagreement and clarify misunderstandings
- Teach conflict resolution and communication skills that reduce tension
- Help create or adjust parenting plans so they are practical and fair
- Keep discussions focused on what is best for the child rather than on past conflicts
The parenting coordinator may meet with parents individually or together depending on the family’s needs and comfort level. Sessions are structured, goal-oriented, and always centered around creating a calmer and more cooperative co-parenting environment.
Why It Helps
Parenting coordination benefits families by:
- Reducing stress and conflict between parents
- Helping children feel more secure and less caught in the middle
- Improving co-parent communication and decision-making
- Creating clear, sustainable plans that work for everyone involved
Parents often find that the process not only improves their ability to collaborate but also helps them feel more confident and supported as they navigate co-parenting after separation.
The Parenting Plan
One of the most valuable outcomes of parenting coordination is the development of a parenting plan that reflects the specific needs of your family.
A parenting plan outlines important details such as schedules, holidays, decision-making responsibilities, and communication methods. It ensures that both parents understand expectations and can maintain consistency for their child.
When both parents participate in creating the plan, it becomes more meaningful and sustainable because it is built on mutual understanding and shared goals.
Moving Forward
At Growing Minds Psychology, we believe that children thrive when their parents can work together with mutual respect and understanding. Parenting coordination helps families move from conflict to cooperation, creating a more peaceful and stable foundation for the future.
If your family could benefit from parenting coordination, contact us to learn more about how we can help you begin this process.