Say What You Mean
What is one difference between hearing someone and actively listening to them?
Active listening involves trying to understand the other person's message instead of simply waiting to respond.
What is the main shared goal of healthy co-parenting?
Supporting Ava's well-being, stability, and healthy development.
Name one healthy coping skill you can use when you're getting frustrated during a conversation.
Deep breathing, taking a brief break, grounding, walking, journaling, or another healthy regulation strategy.
True or false: A relationship changing means everything about the relationship was a failure.
False.
Name one quality you currently respect about your co-parent.
πππ That was beautiful πππ
Instead of saying, βYou never listen to me,β turn it into an I-statement.
Example: βI feel unheard when I don't feel like my concerns are being acknowledged.β
True or false: Good co-parents have to be close friends.
False. They need respectful, functional communication and cooperation around their child.
What is the difference between reacting and responding?
Reacting is often immediate and emotion-driven; responding involves pausing and choosing how you want to handle the situation.
What is one thing two people may need to redefine when transitioning from romantic partners to co-parents?
Boundaries, expectations, communication, responsibilities, emotional support, or time together.
Name one thing you believe the other person does well as a parent to Ava.
πππ
True or false: Effective communication means both people have to agree.
False. You can understand and respect someone's perspective without agreeing with it.
Name one topic you should try to communicate directly about rather than using other people as messengers.
Ava's schedule, needs, health, childcare, routines, activities, or other parenting concerns.
You're at an 8/10 emotionally during an argument. Is this usually the best time to solve the problem? Why or why not?
Usually not. Regulating first can make productive communication easier.
Why can unclear expectations create conflict during a separation?
Each person may assume the other person understands what they want or expect, leading to misunderstandings and resentment.
Name one positive memory from your relationship that you can appreciate without it determining what happens next.
βοΈ(ββ‘β)
Your co-parent sends a message that sounds rude. Before responding angrily, what is one thing you could do?
Pause, regulate, ask for clarification, or consider whether you might be assuming their tone or intention.
What should come first during a co-parenting disagreement: proving who is right or figuring out what is best for Ava?
Figuring out what is best for Ava.
What is a healthy way to ask for space without making the other person feel abandoned or ignored?
Communicate that you need a break and give a reasonable time for when you'll return to the conversation.
What is the difference between a boundary and a punishment?
A boundary identifies what you need and what you will do to protect your well-being; a punishment is intended to control or hurt the other person.
What is something you understand about the other person's perspective now that you didn't understand earlier in the relationship?
βοΈ(ββ‘β)
What's one question you could ask your co-parent when you're unsure what they meant instead of making an assumption?
βCan you clarify what you mean?β βAm I understanding you correctly?β or βWhat did you mean when you said that?β
Complete this sentence: βEven though our relationship is changing, we will always share the role of ______.β
Being Ava's parents/co-parents.
Your co-parent says something that triggers an old relationship hurt. What's one way to determine whether you're responding to the current situation or the history between you?
Pause and ask yourself what specifically happened right now, what you're assuming, and whether an old experience is influencing your reaction.
What is one way Regenae and Drew could handle uncertainty about their relationship without forcing an immediate answer about their future?
Focus on current needs, communicate honestly, establish boundaries, co-parent effectively, and allow time for clarity.
Finish this sentence about the other person: βRegardless of where our relationship goes from here, one thing I hope you know I appreciate about you isβ¦β
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