Triple P Family Transitions Programme for separated parents experiencing conflict in their relationship

What is Triple P Family Transitions?

Family Transitions Triple P is a five-week group programme delivered by the Parenting Team as part of the Reducing Parental Conflict Programme. It is designed for parents who are experiencing personal distress from their separation or divorce, which is impacting on or complicating their parenting. Often there are unresolved conflicts coupled with difficulties in communicating effectively with former partners. Parents may be concerned that the separation or divorce is upsetting their children and their children and they may have concerns about their child’s behaviour.

Who is it for?

The programme is aimed at separated parents who are experiencing conflict in their relationship but is not domestic abuse i.e. where one party attempts to assert power and control of the other. Each parent would attend a separate programme and whilst it is beneficial that both parents attend a programme, it is still beneficial if only one parent attends.

Why this programme now?

Parental conflict, which is frequent, intense and poorly resolved (whether parents are together or separated) places children at risk of poor social, emotional and educational outcomes. Whilst attending an evidence based group parenting programme aimed at the parent/child relationship may have short term benefits, the long term effectiveness is likely to be ineffective where the conflict between parents is not addressed. (Early Intervention Foundation 2016).

It is therefore recommended that where conflict exists between parents, this is addressed prior to attending a behaviour management parenting programme.

What is covered in the sessions with parents?

Session 1: Divorce – a family transition.	During this session, parents learn about parent traps during separation and divorce, how to talk to their children about separation and divorce and how to help children manage their emotions.
Session 2: Coping with emotions (part 1).	Parents learn to identify unhelpful emotions (e.g. stress, anxiety, anger) and the link between these unhelpful emotions and parenting. Coping skills and relaxation strategies will also be discussed during this session.
Session 3: Coping with emotions (part 2).	This session teaches parents how thoughts influence emotions and how they can challenge those automatic unhelpful thoughts. They will also learn coping strategies and how to take care of themselves.
Session 4: Managing conflict.	During this session, the practitioner introduces parents to a model of conflict and explains different conflict response styles. Parents will learn assertive communication skills, how to hold a child-related discussion with their former partner, problem solving techniques, and develop a parenting plan.
Session 5: Balancing work, family & play.	During this session, the practitioner discusses developing a new family identity, social support, and new romantic relationships.

Programme Delivery

The programme is being delivered virtually via Zoom or MS Teams and face to face in community venues.

Who to contact

Telephone: 0115 8765964
E-mail: parentingteam@nottinghamcity.gov.uk
Parent Organisation: The Parenting Team

Other Details

Related links: Relationships Really Matter