A First Step to Supporting the Coparenting Relationship and Reducing Child Behaviour Problems: A Delphi Consensus Study

Abstract

Parenting programs addressing coparenting skills are very effective in reducing problematic child behaviours. Barriers to participation in parenting programs highlight a need for flexible and accessible programs. The current study is the first step in designing a text-message based intervention aimed at strengthening coparenting skills to reduce child problem behaviours. A three phase Delphi study was conducted with two panels, which consisted of 13 multidisciplinary professionals with expertise in child behaviour problems and 10 parents with experience of child behaviour problems. A series of structured online surveys explored participant's opinions regarding topics of importance to build and improve coparenting in the context of problematic child behaviours. Topics had high consistency between panels, and with existing literature, and ranged from communication and behaviour management skills to parenting practices. Sample messages were screened for further development to improve coparenting and address problem child behaviours. Highlights •The Delphi method was used to determine how building coparenting skills may be used to improve problem child behaviours.• Sample messages developed were assessed by professionals and parents to ensure they were suitable for an intervention.• Highest endorsed themes included conflict resolution/communication skills, providing safety and behaviour management skills.• Themes endorsed by both professional and parent panels complemented Feinberg's (2003) model of coparenting.• Short messages allow for parents regardless of barriers to receive information and build skills in an accessible format.

Mothers’ Perceived Co-Parenting and Preschooler’s Problem Behaviors: The Mediating Role of Maternal Parenting Stress and the Moderating Role of Family Resilience

“…3,4 There was a significant association between co-parenting relationships and children's problem behaviors, and interventions to improve co-parenting skills reduced children's problem behaviors. [5][6][7][8][9] The spillover hypothesis 10 and subsequent studies 11,12 emphasize the indirect impact of co-parenting on children via parenting stress. Partner support in co-parenting can mitigate conflicts and reduce parenting stress.…”