Cooperative Parenting Program

The Cooperative Parenting and Divorce Program is an eight-week, sixteen-hour course which combines video, activities and group discussion to help parents refocus their attention on their children, rather than each other (class sizes range from 6 to 10 participants). Parents can be court ordered to take the program, or they can choose to participate voluntarily. This program is most effective when both co-parents attend together, but it is permitted for one parent to attend. 

Program authors Susan Boyan and Ann Marie Termini are family therapists who were inspired to create the groundbreaking video-and-discussion program after observing the harmful effects of divorce on their child clients. Rather than attempt to “fix” the children, Boyan and Termini decided to go to the source of the problem: quarreling parents. “When people are in love, they see only the positive traits of the other person,” says Boyan. “Then, when they are no longer in love, the opposite often happens, and they can no longer see any good in the other person. It becomes all or nothing.” Unfortunately for the children — who still love both parents — a great deal of psychological damage can occur during this time if the parents behave badly in front of them.

Using video, activities and group discussion, Trina A. Nudson, Program Director of The Layne Project, will guide parents through eight steps:

• Step 1:  Making the Commitment to Caring
  Parents learn to recognize parental hostility and discover how conflict affects their child’s development.
• Step 2:  Allowing My Child to Love Both Parents
  Parents learn to create two homes, minimize stress at transitions, and make it a positive experience for their child.
• Step 3:  Changing My Long-Term Role
  Parents discover how their anger and bitterness keeps them emotionally attached to one another, and learn ways to let go.
• Step 4:  Choosing My Personal Path
  Parents clarify their personal choices and identify a personal path. The term “realignment” is introduced to assist parents in creating a new role as co-parents.
• Step 5:  Managing My Own Anger
  Parents determine what anger is, its signals and triggers, constructive versus destructive anger and the consequences of harboring anger.
• Step 6:  Taking Control of Conflict
  Parents examine the cycle of conflict and practice defusing or resolving conflict.
• Step 7:  Negotiating Agreement
  Problem-solving techniques and business relationship skills are examined from a divorced parent’s position.
• Step 8:  Co-Parenting Is Forever
  Parents review their commitment to care, to be child-focused and to practice good communication and negotiation skills.

For more information:

Trina A. Nudson, J.D., LBSW
Program Director
108 E. Poplar
Olathe, KS 66061

Phone: 913.829.3711
Fax: 913.829.8858
Email:  trina@thelayneproject.com

The Layne Project, Inc. does not offer legal services.