Co‐parenting conversation process: a qualitative study of Chinese Singaporean parents

Abstract

Although co‐parenting in two‐parent families has been an increasingly important area of research, little is known about the co‐parenting conversation as a crucial aspect of co‐parenting. This study used grounded theory methodology to explore how Chinese Singaporean parents perceive their co‐parenting conversations in light of the influence of their families of origin. Interviews were conducted with mothers and fathers in sixteen families. Findings revealed a central category, ‘conversations along the co‐parenting journey’, and two main categories, ‘conversations that connect and collaborate in co‐parenting’, and ‘conversations on family heritage and practices’. A substantive theory of co‐parenting conversation process was generated from the synthesis of the findings. This study serves as the foundation for future research in co‐parenting conversation, and its implications for clinicians and researchers are presented and discussed.Practitioner Points The typology of co‐parenting conversation can serve as a common language of communication for family practitioners, clinicians, and researchers working with parents of young children The scheme of co‐parenting conversation process, and the classification for decision‐making conversations, can provide a working framework to consider how, when, and where to intervene in therapy for parents dealing with co‐parenting issues Co‐parenting intentionality is potentially important in addressing family‐of‐origin issues in co‐parenting therapy sessions