In sessions, emphasize a team approach and how great it is that they are both attending sessions.

  • Interrupt all arguing and blaming in session and prompt for only saying positive things about the other.
  • Praise parents for remaining calm and saying positive things about each other in the session.
  • Set up similar point charts in each home to reinforce positive behaviors in children.

If it isn’t possible for both parents to get through a session calmly, ask that they decide which one of them will participate. PMT will still be effective if you only train one parent and sessions will be more productive without the arguments.