It is important for any parent involved in conflict—whether through divorce, custody disputes, or ongoing co-parenting struggles—to gain new skills for reducing hostility and protecting children. Believe it or not, every parent can benefit from learning strategies to communicate more effectively and create a healthier environment for their child.
The Fast Parent Class High-Conflict Parenting Program was developed by licensed and experienced parenting and conflict-resolution specialists. Our goal is to provide practical tools in a supportive, anonymous, and non-judgmental environment, so you can focus on becoming the most effective parent possible, even in difficult circumstances.
Below is a sample outline of the topics covered in our high-conflict parenting programs. Some courses may vary slightly depending on length, so if you have any specific questions, please feel free to contact us for more information.
Course Outline
Chapter 1
- About Our Course
- About Lessons, Quizzes and Final Exam
- Other Course Information
- Course Policies
Chapter 2
- Learning About Parenting
- Parenting Class Goals
- Parenting Comes in All Shapes and Sizes
- Co-parenting
- The Critical Importance of Attachment
- Insecure Attachment
- What Good Parenting Looks Like
- Benefits of Good Parenting
- The Impact of Parental Conflict on Children
Chapter 3
- Role Modeling
- Defining Role Modeling
- Children Learn What They Live
- Building Strong Character Through Role Modelling
- Model the Type of Person You Want Your Child to Be
- 10 Ways to be a Role Model for Your Children
Chapter 4
- Taking Care of Yourself
- Taking Care of Your Mental and Emotional Well-Being
- What is Self-Care?
- Make Time for Self-Care
- 5 Pillars of Self-Care
- Physical Self-Care Habits
- Mental Self-Care Habits
- Emotional Self-Care Habits
- Spiritual Self-Care Habits
- Social Self-Care Habits
- Managing Stress in High-Conflict Situations
- Mindfulness and Anger Control Techniques
Chapter 5
- Attitude
- Attitude is Everything
- You Can Choose Your Attitude
- The 5-Year Rule
Chapter 6
- Good Parents are Teachers
- Empathy is a Key Component of Life’s Survival Kit
- The Development of Empathy
- Empathy Leads to Social Awareness and Emotional Intelligence
- Teaching Your Children Empathy
- Teaching Life Skills
- Parents Teach Respect
- Teaching Ethics
- Teach Social Skills
- Teaching a Healthy Lifestyle
- Teaching About Nutrition, Physical Activity and Sleep
- Teaching About Tobacco, Alcohol and Other Drugs
- Teaching About Sexual Behavior
- Teaching Conflict Resolution Skills to Children
Chapter 7
- Boundaries & Consequences
- Defining Boundaries
- What are Consequences?
- Types of Boundaries
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – a Textbook Case
- Problems When There Are No Boundaries
- Guidelines for Setting Boundaries
- Consequences, an Absolute Necessity for Boundaries
- Positive Consequences
- Enabling
- Boundaries Between Parents
Chapter 8
- Communication in Parenting
- Effective Communication
- Assertive Communication
- Assertive vs. Aggressive vs. Passive Communication
- How to Communicate Assertively
- Communication Tools for High-Conflict Co-Parenting
- Written Communication & Parenting Apps
Chapter 9
- Types of Parenting
- The 4 Parenting Styles
- Effects of Permissive Parenting
- Effects of Uninvolved Parenting
- Effects of Authoritarian Parenting
- Benefits Authoritative Parenting
Chapter 10
- Co-Parenting: What is It and Why is it Important?
- What is Co-Parenting?
- Co-Parenting Issues and Tips for Families Not Living in the Same Household
- Children’s Bill of Rights
- How to Talk to Your Children About Divorce
- Co-Parenting Styles: Parallel and Cooperative
- Tips for Successful Co-Parenting
- Dating and Your Children
- How Step-Families Can Thrive
- Importance of Having a Co-Parenting Plan
- Minimizing Children’s Exposure to Conflict
Chapter 11
- Parental Conflict with Co-Parenting
- Conflict and How You Handle It
- Trapped in the Cycle of Conflict
- Control Your Anger
- Learn to Use “I” Messages
- Be A Good Listener
- Business Partner Relationship
- Managing Narcissism, Blame, and Control Dynamics
Chapter 12
- Common Sense Parenting and Co-Parenting Tips with Mistakes to Avoid
- Common Parenting Mistakes
- Common Parenting Mistakes (Continued)
- Tips Just for Co-Parents
- While the Kids are at Your Home
- Non-Custodial Parent Tips
- Court-Ordered Communication Guidelines
- Avoiding “Triangulation” of Children
Chapter 13
- Age-Specific Effects of Children from Divorce or Separation
- Effects of Divorce on Babies (0-2 years old)
- Effects of Divorce on Toddlers and Pre-Schoolers (ages 3-5)
- Effects on Elementary School Children (Ages 6-12)
- Effects on Middle School and High School-Age Children (13-18)
Chapter 14
- Child Abuse and Professional Help
- When to Seek Professional Help
- About Child Abuse
- Facts About Child Abuse from the CDC
- Long-Term Effects of Child Abuse
- Recognizing Emotional Abuse in High-Conflict Cases
Chapter 15
- The Value of Showing Up
- What it Means to Show Up
- Living in the Moment!
- How You Can “Show Up” and Spend Quality Time With Your Kids
- Show Up by Letting Go of Your Baggage
- Show Up by Putting Away Your Phone
- Show Up by Making Time for Your Kids
- Show Up by Being Intentional
Once you complete the class you’ll take a final exam to test your understanding and comprehension of the course contents.
