We know the best way to help children in divorce is to insure an ongoing, stable, loving relationship with both parents. But in reality, that's not always easy for our clients. Co-parenting can be a nightmare. Today, we discuss how, as divorce coaches, we can support our clients shift in mindset to be able to communicate effectively and shield their kids from the conflict.
Sometimes the hardest transition is parents moving from being stakeholders in each other's lives as a married couple to business partners whose only concern is their children. Restructuring that relationship can take some time. We can help clients identify other times in their lives when they've had to forge an effective working relationship with someone they didn't like. How were they able to do and how can they use those skills and strategies to manage their new co-parenting relationship?
We can also hold a mirror up and ask our client to examine if any of their behaviors are contributing the the trouble. In other words, are they failing to check their own sh&t? One person absolutely has the ability to create a shift in the relationship dynamic and if your client is throwing fuel on the fire, then they need to have some accountability for that.
And don't forget to spread hope. Hope that everyone is in crisis right now, everything is uncertain. It's entirely possible that once the ink is dry on their agreement and things settle down, their co-parenting relationship may experience a shift as well. Sometimes a few months or a year makes a big difference.
The best news? Strategic communication is a skill that can be learned. Partner with your client to craft those effective BIFF responses. You'll be amazed at the transformation as they begin to write their own strategic responses and get to experience that peace and freedom. And help them understand the implications of failing to take a pause. When they react emotionally and fire off that nasty text or email, it could compromise their case.
Be sure to check out our Conflicted Co-Parent Divorce Coach Training Intensive if you're interested in adding this specialty to your divorce coaching practice.
You can learn more about DCA™ or find out about any of the classes or events mentioned in this episode at the links below:
Website: www.divorcecoachesacademy.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/divorcecoachesacademy
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/divorce-coaches-academy
Email: DCA@divorcecoachesacademy.com