Oklahoma Extension program helps parents navigate divorce, coparenting

While adjusting to new family dynamics from separation or divorce can be a challenge for parents and children alike, effective communication and organization skills can help make the transition easier.

Oklahoma State University’s Extension-led Co-parenting for Resilience program helps parents going through separation or divorce reduce negative impacts on children. Topics discussed include how to talk to children about a separation or divorce, understanding how children are affected by these situations and managing conflicts with the other parent, among other subjects.

More than 1,200 people in 48 counties have participated through both in-person and online forums.

Evaluation results showed that participants became more effective communicators and parents. One key lesson many said they learned was encouraging their children to have a positive relationship with the other parent. Many said they felt motivated to make parenting a joint effort despite their separation or divorce.

One participant shared, “I was hesitant to take the class because I knew it meant the end of my marriage and being in the same room as my ex reminded me how much the divorce was hurting me. But I learned a lot about my own perspective and attitude. By the end of the class, I realized I need to be more supportive of my co-parent, no matter how painful it is, because by supporting her I am supporting my kids.”

Project supported by state appropriations and county funding.