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Relationship support for parents

When family life is good, children thrive. Find out why relationships in any parenting situation matters so much to children, and how to improve your relationship with your partner or ex-partner.

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Relationship courses

 

Arguing Better

For all parenting journeys
Disagreements are a normal part of life. How you approach them can make all the difference to you, your partner, and your children. 

Arguing Better course info >

Who should attend?
This course is for any parent ready to learn how to cope better with stress and deal with arguments in a healthy way.

About the course
This free online course developed by OnePlusOne will help you understand:

■ how to recognise stress and how it can affect you

■ how to support each other through difficult times

■ what causes arguments and how to stop them. 

The course can be completed at your own pace independently or with support from staff at your local Family Centre.

How to register
You can get started with this digital course as soon as you register for a free OnePlusOne account.

 

Me, You and Baby Too

For new parenting journeys
Learn how to navigate the changes that happen in a relationship when a baby arrives.

Me, You and Baby Too course info >

Who should attend?
All new and expecting parents who are navigating the changes that happen in their relationship.

About the course
This free online course developed by OnePlusOne will teach you:

■ how you and your partner can support each other

■ how to talk to bring up difficult topics

■ how arguments start, and how to stop them.

The course can be completed at your own pace independently or with support from staff at your local Family Centre.

How to register
You can get started with this digital course as soon as you register for a free OnePlusOne account.


 

Parenting When Separated (PWS)

For all co-parenting journeys
Discover practical steps that you can bring in to your child's life to help them cope during and/or after your separation or divorce. 

PWS course info >

Who should attend?
All separating/separated parents including mothers, fathers, resident and non-resident parents. Both parents of the same children are encouraged to participate, although we recommend you attend separate sessions.

About the course
This free course consists of 6 group sessions for up to 12 parents and each session will last 2 hours 30 minutes, with a 15 minute break. 

Course dates and locations:

■ Every Friday between 17 Jan - 28 Feb 2025, 10am - 1pm (excluding half term)
In-person at Otley Family Centre, Otley Way, South Oxhey, WD19 7TB.

■ Every Wednesday between 29 Jan - 12 Mar 2025, 10am - 12.30pm (excluding half term)
Running online via Microsoft Teams.

Before the course starts, we'll meet all parents for an individual introductory meeting to discuss individual goals for the course.

How to register
You can be referred by a professional or you can self refer online.

Referrals will be used to create a mixed group of up to 12 parents. We'll provide further course details once you've been referred or registered online.

 

Getting It Right For Children

For all co-parenting journeys
Learn how to develop positive communication skills that enable you to parent co-operatively and work out solutions together. 

Getting It Right For Children course info >

Who should attend?
Separated or separating parents who would like to manage conflict and minimise its impact on children.

About the course
This free online course developed by OnePlusOne will help you understand:

■ how to stop a discussion from turning into an argument

■ how to stay calm and listen as well as talk

■ how to find solutions and making compromises.

The course can be completed at your own pace independently or with support from staff at your local Family Centre.

How to register
You can get started with this digital course as soon as you register for a free OnePlusOne account.

 

Parenting SEN Children When Separated

For all SEN co-parenting journeys
Enhance your co-parenting skills, support your child’s development and build a strong foundation for the future. 

See course details >

Who should attend?
Separated or separating parents of neurodiverse children seeking guidance, support, and strategies for co-parenting more consistently. If you want to create a positive and supportive environment for your child’s development, this course is for you.

About the course
A free 6-session course developed by Family Lives and delivered online via Microsoft Teams.

■ Every Monday between 24 Feb - 31 Mar 2025, 7pm - 9pm

■ Every Tuesday between 25 Feb - 1 Apr 2025, 9.30am - 11.30am

How to register
Complete a Family Lives referral form if you're a parent of a SEN child or a professional referring someone you know. 

Alternatively, get in touch via:

Email: services@familylives.org.uk
Phone: 0204 522 8700 or 0204 522 8699 

 

 

Stronger Relationships

For all co-parenting journeys
The Strengthening Families Strengthening Communities (SFSC) parenting team have created free and inclusive programmes to help develop better family relationships. 

Stronger Relationships course info >

Who should attend?
Co-parents that live apart or co-parents that live in the same house (this could be two biological parents or it could include another key adult who helps bring up children like a grandparents or step parent).

About the course
SFSC have two online courses available; one for co-parents living apart and another for co-parents living together. Each 6-week online programme includes weekly expert-led virtual group discussions (scheduled to accommodate any family's availability) and access to the platform for self-paced learning.

How to register
You can get started with either course as soon as you register for a free SFSC account.

 

Serious conflict?

Conflict within a relationship is different to domestic abuse. There's no imbalance of power, neither parent seeks to control the other, and neither parent is fearful of the other.

Herts Sunflower can help if there's serious conflict in your relationship, like controlling or abusive behaviour.

Support for dads

Fatherhood is rewarding yet challenging.

To support you in your journey as a dad, step-dad, male carer or role model to a child, we've gathered a wealth of information and advice in one place.

Families First - Support for dads

 

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