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Table 1 SPARE content and exercises

From: A shift in focus: Mothers’ descriptions of sharing a child with a co-parent with unhealthy alcohol use after participating in a support program

Content

Exercises

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

b) Decreasing ineffective strategies in trying to change the co-parent’s alcohol consumption. Safety precautions

c) Strategies for dedicated parent–child time

Make room for own positive activities

Practice 15 min daily of dedicated parent–child time

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

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

c) Talking about alcohol with children. Give positive attention to appreciated child behaviors

Set a personal goal for own well-being

Mapping drinking situations

Focus on appreciated child behaviors

15 min daily dedicated parent–child time

3 a) Increase SO self-respect through cognitive exercises and rewards

b) Five positive communication skills. Mapping and analyzing interplay with the co-parent

c) Mapping situations of parental and child conflicts. Increase positive child behaviors

Continue working on goal for own well-being

Practice positive communication and mapping interactions with co-parent

15 min daily dedicated parent–child time

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

b) Encourage help-seeking in co-parent. Let co-parent handle negative consequences of drinking

c) Handling conflict situations with children. 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