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

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.