Taking care of myself
After participating in the program, most of the SOs mentioned having become better at taking time for themselves and prioritizing doing healthy activities for their own sake. In many cases, physical activity was mentioned as especially helpful for regaining energy, leading them to feel calmer and better prepared for dealing with daily chores and interactions with the children, as well as with any situations arising from the co-parent’s drinking.Another aspect of taking care of themselves was shifting focus away from trying to influence the co-parent when he was drinking—leaving him alone at such times and instead doing an activity on their own. This was considered to conserve a lot of energy that was otherwise spent on negativity and arguments.