In this episode of Co-parenting Beyond Conflict, hosts Sol and Louise discuss the challenges of navigating special days like Father's Day and Mother's Day in high-conflict co-parenting situations. They explore how narcissistic or antagonistic co-parents can create conflict during these times and offer strategies for reducing engagement and stress. The conversation emphasizes the importance of reframing the significance of these days, allowing for flexibility in celebrations, and prioritizing self-care.

Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/

Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/

Takeaways

• Special days can trigger conflict in high-conflict co-parenting situations.
• Narcissistic co-parents often create challenges on holidays.
• Reframing the celebration date can reduce stress and conflict.
• Kids are flexible and often don't track specific dates.
• Loosening attachment to specific days can restore peace.
• Celebrating oneself is important, especially in co-parenting.
• Authenticity of holidays can be questioned, especially for young kids.
• Self-care is a valid way to celebrate Mother's Day or Father's Day.
• Detaching from expectations of others can lead to personal happiness.
• Communication with kids about celebrations can be more direct and fulfilling.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Special Days in Co-Parenting

02:51 Strategies for Reducing Conflict on Holidays

06:04 Reframing the Meaning of Special Days

08:54 Self-Care and Celebrating Yourself

BestInterest Coparenting App: Find peace in coparenting, despite the circumstances. Get 10% off at https://bestinterest.app/beyond

In this conversation, Hope Petrow shares her journey of navigating life after divorce, emphasizing the importance of building confidence, joy, and clarity in what one wants from future relationships. She discusses the challenges of co-parenting while dating, the significance of integrating children into new relationships, and recognizing the signs of a healthy partnership. Hope also provides practical advice on avoiding past mistakes and the healing process necessary for moving forward after a divorce.

Learn more about Hope Petrow at: http://hopepetrow.com/

Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/

Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/

Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/6Tca0Ro8dHE

Keywords

divorce, co-parenting, relationships, healing, confidence, dating, blended families, self-discovery, communication, personal growth, dating after divorce

Takeaways

• Communication is key in building new relationships.
• Joy is a skill that requires practice and intention.
• Identifying what you want is crucial for future happiness.
• Healing from divorce takes time and is a personal journey.
• Co-parenting and dating can be challenging but manageable.
• It's important to introduce new partners to your children thoughtfully.
• Healthy relationships allow for open communication and joy.
• Blended families require patience and understanding from all parties.
• Your ex's emotional reactions are not your responsibility.
• Being authentic attracts the right partner for you.

Sound Bites

• "Divorce can be a reset."
• "Healing is intentional."
• "Be your weird self."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey
02:15 Finding Joy After Divorce
04:41 Overcoming Fear of Repeating Mistakes
09:04 Divorce as a Reset
12:12 Navigating Dating as a Co-Parent
17:27 Introducing New Partners to Kids
20:11 Defining Healthy Relationships
21:53 Blended Families and Building Connections
24:14 Navigating Ex-Partners' New Relationships
26:26 Conclusion and Resources

BestInterest Coparenting App: Find peace in coparenting, despite the circumstances. Get 10% off at https://bestinterest.app/beyond

In this conversation, Wendy Behary, an expert in narcissism and schema therapy, discusses the complexities of dealing with narcissistic individuals, particularly in co-parenting situations. She emphasizes the importance of understanding narcissism, setting boundaries, and using empathic confrontation strategies to navigate relationships with narcissists. Wendy also highlights the impact of narcissism on children and the necessity of breaking the cycle of generational narcissism. Throughout the discussion, she offers hope and practical advice for those affected by narcissistic behavior, encouraging self-advocacy and emotional health.

Learn more about Wendy Behary at: https://disarmingthenarcissist.com/

Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/

Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/

Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/q2vzKdT570E

Keywords

narcissism, co-parenting, schema therapy, emotional health, boundaries, inner critic, empathic confrontation, parenting strategies, healing, self-advocacy

Takeaways

• Narcissism often stems from unmet emotional needs in childhood.
• Understanding narcissism can help co-parents emancipate themselves from self-doubt.
• Empathic confrontation can be an effective strategy in dealing with narcissists.
• Children of narcissists need support to navigate their feelings and experiences.
• It's important to set boundaries with narcissistic co-parents.
• Narcissists may seek therapy when the stakes are high enough.
• The inner critic can be a significant barrier to self-advocacy.
• Co-parents should focus on providing a stable environment for their children.
• Breaking the cycle of narcissism requires awareness and effort.
• Healing from narcissistic relationships is possible, but it takes time and patience.

Sound Bites

• "Narcissists are impaired people."
• "You can change what's going on in here."
• "Narcissism is a generational problem."

Chapters

00:00 Wendy Behary's Journey into Narcissism Therapy
03:26 Understanding Narcissism: Myths and Realities
05:50 The Hope for Change: Can Narcissists Seek Help?
08:21 Co-Parenting with a Narcissist: Strategies for Success
10:41 Setting Boundaries with a Narcissistic Co-Parent
12:49 Empowering Children in a Narcissistic Environment
15:03 Breaking the Legacy of Narcissism
17:41 The Inner Critic: Understanding and Overcoming
19:49 Navigating Parenting Styles: Supporting Children
22:01 Finding Your Voice: Assertiveness in Co-Parenting
24:32 The Power of Empathy and Confrontation
27:00 Final Thoughts: Healing and Hope in Parenting

BestInterest Coparenting App: Find peace in coparenting, despite the circumstances. Get 10% off at https://bestinterest.app/beyond

In this conversation, Tamara Rowles shares her transformative journey from litigation to mediation and divorce consulting. She emphasizes the opportunity for personal growth and healing that divorce can provide, framing it as a hero's journey. Tamara discusses the importance of mindset shifts, accountability, and self-reflection in navigating divorce gracefully. She introduces her app, Divorce Wave, designed to support individuals through the emotional challenges of divorce, offering guided mindfulness experiences and tools for managing communication with ex-partners. The conversation highlights the significance of co-parenting, parallel parenting, and allowing children to form their own relationships post-divorce.

Learn more about Tamara Rowles and the DivorceWave app at: https://divorcewave.com/

Follow Tamara and Divorce Wave on Instagram and YouTube:
https://www.instagram.com/divorcewave
https://www.instagram.com/tamaraesq
https://www.youtube.com/@divorcewave

Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/

Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/

Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/n-2yg34cnuI

Keywords
divorce, mediation, transformation, mindset, co-parenting, self-growth, Divorce Wave, emotional healing, accountability, spiritual awakening

Key Takeaways

• Divorce can be a transformative experience.
• Mediation can resolve cases more efficiently than litigation.
• Divorce is an opportunity to rebuild one's life intentionally.
• Mindset shifts are crucial for handling divorce with grace.
• Accountability is key to personal growth during divorce.
• Feeling emotions is essential for healing and self-discovery.
• Co-parenting requires setting boundaries and maintaining respect.
• Parallel parenting can ease the transition post-divorce.
• Divorce Wave offers guided support for emotional challenges.
• Responding with kindness can change the dynamic with an ex.

Sound Bites

"It's the quintessential hero's journey."
"Set your intention for the journey."
"Keep your side of the street clean."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Tamara Rowles and Her Journey
02:04 Transforming Divorce: A New Perspective
04:11 The Hero's Journey Through Divorce
05:45 Mindset Shifts for a Civil Divorce
08:29 Doing the Work: Accountability and Growth
10:09 Spiritual Awakening During Divorce
12:20 Rediscovering Identity Post-Divorce
13:39 Navigating High Conflict Situations
18:26 The Importance of Co-Parenting Dynamics
23:01 Introducing Divorce Wave: A Supportive Tool
27:42 Managing Communication Between Co-Parents
30:59 Building Resilience in Children Through Transitions
32:58 Introduction to Co-Parenting Beyond Conflict
32:59 Understanding the Dynamics of Co-Parenting
33:15 Wrap Up
33:17 Disclaimer

BestInterest Coparenting App: Find peace in coparenting, despite the circumstances. Get 10% off at https://bestinterest.app/beyond

In this episode of Co-Parenting Beyond Conflict, host Sol welcomes Paulette Rigo, founder of Better Divorce Academy, who shares her personal journey through divorce and her transition into divorce coaching. Paulette discusses the common challenges faced by co-parents post-judgment, the importance of effective communication, and the emotional complexities involved in navigating new relationships after divorce. She emphasizes the need for self-reflection and learning from past mistakes to foster healthier co-parenting dynamics and personal growth.

Learn more about Better Divorce Academy at: https://betterdivorceacademy.com/

Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/

Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/

Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/sj0dMIvOjiM

Keywords
co-parenting, divorce, mediation, parenting plans, emotional well-being, family dynamics, communication, divorce coaching, child development, self-reflection

Takeaways

• Paulette Rigo's journey into divorce coaching stemmed from her own challenging experience with divorce.
• Co-parents often face emotional and logistical challenges after legal judgments are finalized.
• Effective communication is crucial for successful co-parenting, especially when dealing with parenting plans.
• Children's adaptability to divorce varies; understanding their perspective is essential.
• Self-reflection is key to personal growth and avoiding past mistakes in future relationships.
• Divorce is a significant change, not a failure, and should be approached with a growth mindset.
• The B-I-F-F method can help manage communication with a difficult co-parent.
• Maintaining emotional well-being is vital during and after divorce.
• Revisiting parenting plans regularly can help accommodate changing circumstances.
• Building a support team, including mental health professionals, can aid in co-parenting success.

Sound Bites
"I believe in love. I believe in marriage."
"The emotional part is a huge shift."
"Divorce is not about blame, it's about change."
"Keep your wits about you."
"The best tool I can teach people is B-I-F-F."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Co-Parenting Challenges
05:14 Paulette's Journey to Divorce Coaching
10:19 Common Co-Parenting Challenges
16:46 Navigating New Relationships and Change
22:44 Learning from Divorce: The Importance of Self-Reflection

BestInterest Coparenting App: Find peace in coparenting, despite the circumstances. Get 10% off at https://bestinterest.app/beyond

In this conversation, Anne Wintemute, co-founder and CEO of Aimee Says, discusses the complexities of co-parenting in high-conflict situations, particularly for survivors of relationship abuse. She emphasizes the importance of building a support system, navigating post-separation abuse, and effective communication strategies. The discussion also highlights the role of AI in providing accessible support for those dealing with coercive control and the limitations of the family court system in recognizing these dynamics. Wintemute advocates for a shift towards using technology to empower individuals in their co-parenting journeys.

Learn more about Aimee Says at https://aimeesays.com/

Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/

Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/tsumGIn1xts

Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/

Keywords

co-parenting, relationship abuse, AI support, family court, emotional abuse, support systems, parallel parenting, post-separation, coercive control, mental health

Takeaways

• Understanding the complexities of high-conflict co-parenting is crucial.
• Post-separation abuse often escalates and requires careful navigation.
• Building a support system is essential for mental health during separation.
• Isolation can be detrimental; companionship is vital.
• Effective communication is key in co-parenting relationships.
• AI can provide instant support and resources for those in need.
• The family court system often fails to recognize coercive control.
• It's important to strategize before entering the legal system.
• AI can help individuals regain agency and autonomy in their situations.
• Radical acceptance of uncontrollable factors can aid in healing.

Sound Bites

"Isolation is the number one mental health killer."

"You cannot fight fire with fire."

"The system will be there to support me."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Anne Wintemute

00:34 Understanding Post-Separation Abuse

02:42 Navigating the Challenges of Leaving an Abusive Relationship

03:46 Building a Support System During Separation

04:53 The Impact of Co-Parenting on Relationships

06:35 The Role of Friends and Family in Supporting Co-Parents

07:44 Communication Strategies in High-Conflict Situations

09:14 The Importance of Effective Communication

11:09 Leveraging AI for Co-Parenting Support

12:39 Introducing Amy Says: AI for Co-Parents

14:19 Comparing Amy Says to Traditional Chatbots

17:34 Coercive Control and the Family Court System

20:09 The Future of Technology in Family Law

24:25 What's Next for Amy Says?

26:50 Parting Words and Conclusion

27:18 Understanding the Dynamics of Co-Parenting

27:33 Introduction to the Podcast's Purpose

27:36 Exploring Key Themes in the Conversation

27:58 Outro & Disclaimer

BestInterest Coparenting App: Find peace in coparenting, despite the circumstances. Get 10% off at https://bestinterest.app/beyond

In this conversation, Erika Wright shares her personal journey with codependency, exploring its definitions, societal roots, and impacts on relationships, particularly in co-parenting. She emphasizes the importance of self-love, authenticity, and vulnerability in breaking free from codependent patterns. The discussion also touches on the challenges of navigating co-parenting dynamics, recognizing codependent behaviors, and the significance of encouraging children's voices in the process. Ultimately, Erika advocates for embracing one's true self as a path to healing and healthier relationships.

Learn more about Healing Codependency at https://erikawright.org/

Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/

Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/5hYgN3TXnHQ

Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/

Keywords

codependency, co-parenting, self-love, relationships, emotional health, parenting, vulnerability, narcissism, healing, personal growth

Takeaways

• Codependency often stems from unconscious patterns learned in childhood.
• Recognizing codependent behaviors is the first step to healing.
• Non-codependency involves embracing vulnerability and truth.
• Co-parenting requires a new understanding of relationships post-divorce.
• Self-love is essential for breaking the cycle of codependency.
• Children's voices should be prioritized in co-parenting decisions.
• Emotional honesty is crucial in high-stakes situations like court.
• The fear of losing love drives many codependent behaviors.
• Parenting choices are evolving, allowing for more conscious decisions.
• Divorce can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth.

Sound Bites

"Codependency is manipulation and control."
"I just want my parents to be happy."
"You can do everything about yourself."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Codependency and Personal Journey

02:24 Understanding Codependency: Definitions and Impacts

04:37 The Innocence of Codependency and Its Origins

06:26 Signs of Codependency: Recognizing the Patterns

08:42 The Fear of Losing Love and Its Implications

10:37 Navigating Co-Parenting: Embracing Change

12:32 The Role of Narcissism in Codependent Relationships

14:31 Breaking the Cycle: Healing and Learning in Parenting

16:42 The Evolution of Parenting: Choice and Consciousness

18:58 Non-Codependent Parenting: Acceptance and Presence

22:30 The Journey of Lifelong Love

25:11 Navigating Emotions in Parenting

27:38 Understanding Children's Perspectives

29:54 Breaking Free from Codependency

31:34 Self-Love as a Foundation

33:39 Building Trust with Yourself

34:52 Translating Parental Love to Self-Love

36:37 The Impact of Personal Responsibility

37:47 Embracing Change and Growth

37:58 Connecting with Erika Wright

39:14 Outro & Disclaimer

BestInterest Coparenting App: Find peace in coparenting, despite the circumstances. Get 10% off at https://bestinterest.app/beyond

In this conversation, Dr. Don Gordon, founder and the Executive Director of The Center for Divorce Education, discusses the complexities of co-parenting, particularly in the context of divorce. He highlights the importance of understanding loyalty conflicts, the impact of parental behaviors on children, and effective communication strategies for co-parents. Dr. Gordon emphasizes the need for self-regulation techniques for parents and the psychological effects of conflict on children. He also provides resources for co-parents to improve their relationships and parenting skills.

Learn more about The Center for Divorce Education programs at: https://divorce-education.com/

Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/

Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/lf1t9tbFeUw

Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/

Keywords
co-parenting, divorce, loyalty conflicts, child psychology, communication strategies, parental behavior, conflict resolution, emotional literacy, self-regulation, parenting resources

Key Takeaways

• The absence of a biological father is a risk factor for delinquency.
• Loyalty conflicts can significantly affect children's emotional well-being.
• Parents often unknowingly put their children in loyalty binds.
• Teaching parents about their impact on children can motivate change.
• Effective communication is crucial in co-parenting relationships.
• Using 'I' messages can diffuse conflict between co-parents.
• Self-regulation techniques can help parents manage stress.
• Children's cortisol levels can be affected by parental conflict.
• Active listening fosters better communication with children.
• Resources are available to help co-parents navigate their challenges.

Resources Mentioned

Dr. Gordon’s Programs & Websites:

• Children in Between (4-hour co-parenting course) online.divorce-education.com
• High Conflict Solutions (for high-conflict co-parenting situations)
  highconflictsolutions.com
• Children in Between for Kids (teaches kids ages 7-14 emotional literacy & self-regulation) childreninbetweenforkids.com
• Parenting Wisely (general parenting skills program) FamilyWorksInc.com

Books & Experts Mentioned:

• No Bad Parts – Book by Dr. Richard Schwartz (focuses on inner healing and personal growth using the Internal Family Systems model)
• Dr. Warren Farrell – Expert on active listening and relationship-building strategies

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Co-Parenting Challenges
02:47 Understanding Loyalty Conflicts in Co-Parenting
05:55 Identifying Unintentional Harmful Behaviors
08:50 Effective Communication Strategies for Co-Parents
11:52 Navigating High Conflict Co-Parenting Relationships
15:36 The Impact of Conflict on Children
19:45 Self-Regulation Techniques for Parents
24:40 Focusing on Personal Growth and Accountability
28:00 Communication Strategies for Children
30:39 Leveraging Technology in Co-Parenting
31:05 Resources for Co-Parents
32:50 Introduction to Co-Parenting Beyond Conf

BestInterest Coparenting App: Find peace in coparenting, despite the circumstances. Get 10% off at https://bestinterest.app/beyond