Table 1 Summary of SPARE content and exercises and PM content

1 a) Introduction and information about the program. Set a goal for program use

b) Decreasing ineffective strategies in trying to change the co-parents’ alcohol consumption. Safety precautions in planning for behavior changes

c) Strategies for CSOs to spend positive time with the child (dedicated parent–child time)

Make room for own positive activities

Practice 15 min daily of dedicated parent–child time

Information about being a CSO to an individual with PAC (prevalence, risk factors, impaired well-being and made-up case descriptions)

2 a) Strategies for CSOs to enhance own well-being

b) Mapping patterns of co-parent alcohol consumption; triggers, behaviors and short/long-term effects

c) Talking about alcohol with children. Increase appreciated child behaviors by positive attention

Set a personal goal for own well-being

Mapping drinking situations

Focus on appreciated child behaviors

15 min daily dedicated parent–child time

Information about PAC and alcohol dependence (prevalence, risk factors and developing alcohol dependence)

3 a) Strategies for CSOs to increase self-respect through cognitive exercises and rewards

b) Positive communication with five communication skills. Mapping and analyzing interplay with the co-parent

c) Mapping situations of parental and child behaviors leading to conflict. Strategies to increase positive child behaviors

Continue working on goal for own well-being

Practice positive communication and mapping interactions with the co-parent

15 min daily dedicated parent–child time

Information about self-care for the CSO and how children can react to a parent being drunk

4 a) Handling negative emotions. Where to find more support for CSO or child

b) Strategies for CSOs to encourage help seeking in co-parent. How to let co-parent handle natural negative consequences of drinking

c) Strategies for handling conflict situations with children. Setting rules and boundaries; making agreements with children about responsibilities

Planning ahead (maintaining own changed behaviors over time, supporting co-parent positive behavior change over time, preparing for possible setbacks)

Continued dedicated parent–child time

Information about where and how to seek further help if necessary