What is teamwork?
Teamwork allows you to share the load, have mutual support, and lift each other up, making parenting feel more manageable.
When you’re not trying to do it all alone, you can be more present and patient, allowing you to show up as the parent you want to be.
Why it matters
It’s overwhelming trying to keep everything afloat. Parenting can start to feel like a solo act when you and your partner aren’t on the same page, your needs get pushed aside, and you end up handling everything alone.
But shouldering it all doesn’t only drain you — it affects the whole family. A strong, united parenting team sets the foundation for a stronger and more connected family dynamic.
Put it into practice
Boost your family teamwork with these quick exercises:
Practice Deep Listening
Try this quick activity to pause and listen with full presence, helping you respond with intention instead of reacting on autopilot.
Practice Using “I” Statements
Develop less confrontational communication habits by practicing “I” statements to express your feelings without blame.
Activities to Help You Manage Conflict
Navigate conflict with more empathy and understanding using these realistic strategies that you and your co-parent can practice together.
6 Journaling Prompts to Help You Improve Communication
Reflect on your communication style and uncover new ways to express yourself more effectively.
The Parental Burnout Test
Assess your level of stress so you can catch burnout in its tracks and start practicing some much-needed self-care.
3-Minute Guided Meditation to Prepare for a Difficult Conversation
Center yourself before heading into a challenging conversation to help you communicate more mindfully and effectively.
100 Affirmations About Asking for Help
Empower yourself with these reminders that it’s ok (and beneficial) to lean on others even as a parent.
The 7th-Breath Forehead Connection Exercise
Use this mindful breathing exercise to sync up with your partner.
5-Minute Radical Generosity Visualization
Bring a sense of gratitude to your relationship with this quick guided meditation to help you reconnect with your partner.
The Three Parts of an Effective Apology
Repair and restore trust in your relationship by using the key components of a heartfelt apology.
5 Rituals to Reconnect in Your Relationships
Incorporate these simple practices to strengthen your relationship with your partner, even as a busy parent.
How You Can Use the Nonviolent Communication Process
Use this cheat sheet to have better conversations with those around you about tough topics.
Continue building teamwork as a family with these activities for deeper connection:
The Fair Play Deck
Make distributing tasks with your partner feel like a game with this card deck designed to promote better communication and balance in the home.
Who Is In Your Support Circle?
Identify your support circle and who to go to for different needs.
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Read up on teamwork
Check out these articles to discover ways to enhance teamwork at home:
The Resilient Parent Library
Browse these books to help build stronger teamwork in your family:
Research
Because it’s nice to know we’re not just saying this, here’s the research that backs up the power of teamwork:
- Patterns of Coparenting and Young Children’s Social-Emotional Adjustment in Low-Income Families
- The Influence of Fathers and Mothers Equally Sharing Childcare Responsibilities on Children’s Cognitive Development from Early Childhood to School Age
- Shared Parental Responsiveness Among Fathers and Mothers with Low Income and Early Child Outcomes