Co-parenting education aimed to help Iowa families build stronger futures

July 13, 2026 - 23:14

Nearly one in three children in the United States will see their parents separate before they turn eighteen. Research has long shown that this major life shift can take a heavy toll on a child's emotional health, school performance, and overall behavior. To help ease that transition, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach is offering a program called Co-Parenting for Resilience. The course is court-approved and built on solid research. Its main goal is to help parents cut down on conflict and focus on what is best for their kids.

The program gives parents practical tools to communicate better, manage stress, and create stable routines across two households. Organizers say the idea is not just to get through the divorce, but to build a foundation for a healthier future. When parents learn to work together, children feel less caught in the middle. They also tend to adjust better over time.

The classes are available in multiple counties across the state. They cover topics like child development, the impact of ongoing arguments, and how to make parenting plans that actually work. For many families, the program offers a chance to reset old habits and put the children's needs first. Organizers hope that by giving parents these skills, they can help break cycles of conflict and build stronger, more resilient families for years to come.