Podcast
Coparenting Beyond Conflict: High-Conflict Divorce and Custody Strategies
Hosted by Sol Kennedy · EN
A podcast for parents navigating the hardest kind of co-parenting—when every message feels like a minefield, and peace feels out of reach.
If you’re stuck in a high-conflict divorce or custody situation, this show is your lifeline. Whether you’re dealing with a narcissistic co-parent, covert manipulation, or the exhaustion of constant conflict, you’re not alone—and you’re not powerless.
Coparenting Beyond Conflict gives you practical tools, expert insights, and compassionate support to help you protect your kids, reduce emotional chaos, and find real peace—even if your co-parent refuses to change.
🎧 What You’ll Learn
- How to de-escalate conflict between co-parents, even in high conflict situations
- Why parallel parenting may be the best option for your parenting plan or custody schedule
- How to apply tools like BIFF to reduce miscommunication and minimize drama in text messages
- Ways to set boundaries in post-divorce life
- Strategies for navigating high-conflict parenting plans, parenting time, and shared parenting
- Guidance on mediation, family law, and protecting your kids
- Tech tools that filter toxic messages
🧠 Why Subscribe
- You’re tired of feeling drained by your co-parenting challenges
- You want actionable strategies
- You feel stuck in the middle of high-conflict
- You’re ready to move toward lasting peace
Whether you're co-parenting with a high-conflict co-parent, navigating a divorce or separation, or reevaluating your parenting schedule, this podcast provides the emotional tools and expert insight (such as from Dr Ramani) you need to end the conflict.
🎙 About Your Host
Sol Kennedy is a co-parent, father of two, and the founder of BestInterest—the first AI-powered co-parenting app built to support families in high-conflict situations.. After years of facing the realities of high-conflict co-parenting firsthand, Sol founded this podcast to empower other parents to reclaim control and prioritize healing.
💬 Real Tools. Real Stories. Real Change.
From parallel parenting to legal battles, mediation to mental health, you’ll hear from psychologists, divorce coaches, lawyers, and co-parents who’ve been where you are—and made it through.
✅ Subscribe now if you want to:
- Stop letting conflict dictate your co-parenting journey
- Find a good divorce coach, or learn what they’d recommend
- Build confidence, peace, and clarity—even in the ...
29episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
How to Divorce Without Going to Court with Amanda Singer
5d ago00:36:36Tap to summarizeWhat if divorce didn’t have to mean years of litigation, mounting legal fees, and a judge deciding your family’s future?In this episode of Coparenting Beyond Conflict, Sol speaks with Amanda Singer, a family law mediator and attorney who has spent more than 13 years helping couples resolve divorce and custody issues outside of court.Amanda explains how mediation offers families a more collaborative and cost-effective path through separation. Rather than battling through attorneys, couples work with a neutral professional to create agreements around parenting plans, support, and property division while staying in control of the outcome.They discuss what makes mediation successful, how therapists can improve outcomes, how to handle high-conflict personalities, and why parenting agreements should include a framework for future changes. Amanda also shares insights into premarital mediation and how prenuptial agreements can strengthen relationships before marriage.Whether you’re facing divorce, navigating a challenging co-parenting relationship, or planning a future marriage, this conversation offers practical tools for reducing conflict and making thoughtful decisions.Learn more about Amanda Singer and West Coast Family Mediation: https://westcoastfamilymediation.com/Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YY1hp4ocAYsSubscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/Keywordsfamily mediation, divorce mediation, co-parenting, parenting plans, family law, child custody, high-conflict divorce, conflict resolution, alternative dispute resolution, prenup, premarital mediation, child support, spousal support, blended families, bonus parents, divorce without court, custody agreements, emotional regulation, therapy and divorce, California mediationTakeawaysConflict is normal, but how you handle it determines whether your family can move forward.Mediation allows parents to stay in control instead of leaving decisions to a judge.Couples do not need to agree on everything to benefit from mediation; they only need a shared commitment to work things out.Therapy can help parents regulate emotions and communicate more effectively during mediation.Parenting plans should include a process for revisiting decisions as children grow.Common future issues include screen time, social media, driving, and introducing new partners.Mediators can help balance power when one parent is more dominant or controlling.Blended family mediation can help bonus parents become part of the solution.Premarital mediation gives couples a collaborative way to create prenuptial agreements.Getting support early can prevent conflict from escalating.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Amanda Singer02:06 Why Conflict Is Normal04:17 What Mediation Really Looks Like07:24 Who Is a Good Fit for Mediation?09:28 How to Convince a Reluctant Co-Parent11:06 Returning to Mediation as Children Grow12:46 What Parenting Plans Often Miss15:25 Managing Power Imbalances17:14 Navigating High-Conflict Dynamics19:00 Blended Families and Bonus Parents23:03 Why Therapy Helps Mediation27:39 Premarital Mediation and Prenups31:58 Lightning Round Insights35:08 One Final Piece of AdviceWhat if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond
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Fighting to Stay a Father in Family Court with Derek Salyers
2w ago00:43:34Tap to summarizeA high-conflict custody battle can make even the most devoted parent feel powerless. In this episode, Derek Salyers shares the deeply personal story of fighting for shared parenting after being falsely accused, cut off from his son for months, and pulled into a years-long family court battle.Derek opens up about the mental health toll many fathers silently carry, the realities of parallel parenting, and why he believes the family court system still struggles with bias. He also shares how AI tools like ChatGPT helped him navigate legal documents, parenting plans, communication, and court preparation during one of the hardest periods of his life.This episode contains discussion of suicide and mental health struggles. Please listen with care.Learn more about Derek Salyers and Fathers for Fair Custody: https://fathersforfaircustody.comGet Derek’s book, The Forgotten Fathers on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CBN8M3XBGet the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/Custody Journal (Free Documentation Tool): https://custodyjournal.comWatch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rIqoK79LcrU Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/Keywordshigh conflict custody battle, fathers rights, shared parenting, false accusations in family court, parallel parenting, fatherhood and divorce, custody battle mental health, AI for family court, right of first refusal, co-parenting communicationTakeawaysParallel Parenting Can Protect Peace: In some high-conflict situations, minimizing communication is healthier than forcing collaboration.AI Can Be a Powerful Tool: ChatGPT helped Derek understand legal language, prepare questions, structure communication, and think through parenting plans.Always Fact-Check AI: AI can hallucinate cases and legal information, making verification essential before using anything in court.Right of First Refusal Matters: Parenting plan clauses can significantly impact how much real parenting time each parent receives.Documentation Can Change Outcomes: Photos, videos, receipts, calendars, and journals can become critical evidence in custody disputes.Fathers’ Mental Health Needs Attention: Derek speaks openly about suicidal thoughts, isolation, and the emotional impact of losing contact with a child.You Can’t Control the Other Household: Peace often begins when parents stop trying to control what happens outside their parenting time.Growth Is Still Possible: Even in devastating circumstances, healing, self-reflection, and personal growth can emerge from the experience.Chapters01:27 – From Divorce to Parallel Parenting04:22 – How AI Helped Build a Parenting Plan08:04 – False Allegations & Losing Contact With His Son13:18 – The Story Behind The Forgotten Fathers16:48 – Men’s Mental Health During Custody Battles20:16 – Fighting for Shared Parenting Rights27:57 – The Risks and Benefits of Using AI in Court32:19 – The Biggest Lie Fathers Are Told About Custody37:00 – Letting Go of Control in Co-Parenting39:55 – Advice for Parents in the Darkest MomentsWhat if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond
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Stop Saying “I’m Sorry”: Reclaiming Power After Divorce with Nicole Sodoma
4w ago00:29:02Tap to summarizeDivorce is often framed as something you “win” or “lose”—but what if that mindset is exactly what keeps you stuck? In this episode, family law attorney and author Nicole Sodoma shares candid, hard-earned insights from both sides of the courtroom. After decades advising clients—and then going through her own divorce—Nicole reveals what actually matters when you’re navigating high-conflict co-parenting.From why saying “I’m sorry” can be disempowering, to the realities of parallel parenting, to the small communication shifts that can completely change your dynamic, this conversation is grounded, practical, and refreshingly honest. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck in conflict, or unsure how to move forward, this episode offers a clearer path.Learn more about Nicole Sodoma: https://nicolesodoma.comGet 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/y_uWkYGxTPIKeywordsco-parenting, high conflict divorce, parallel parenting, family court reality, divorce attorney advice, co-parenting boundaries, communication strategies, conscious uncoupling, nesting after divorce, parenting plan challengesTakeawaysYou Don’t Win in Family Court: Even when you “win” an issue, it rarely feels like victory—and much is outside your control.Stop Saying “I’m Sorry”: Well-meaning language can reinforce a victim mindset and undermine your sense of agency.Parallel Parenting Is a Path, Not a Fix: It can reduce conflict, but it won’t eliminate disagreements—you still need systems for decision-making.Communication Is Everything: The structure, timing, and tone of how you communicate can either escalate conflict or create stability.Pick Your Priorities Early: Knowing what truly matters helps you avoid getting lost in battles driven by principle instead of purpose.You Can’t Change Your Ex: The only leverage you have is how you show up, communicate, and respond.Freedom and Grief Coexist: Emotional ups and downs are normal—and temporary—as you move through separation.Chapters00:01 – Meet Nicole Sodoma02:25 – How Divorce Changed Her Perspective04:07 – Why “I’m Sorry” Can Be Harmful05:27 – Nesting: When It Doesn’t Work07:26 – Conscious Uncoupling: Reality Check10:04 – Parallel Parenting Explained11:57 – Boundaries That Protect You14:28 – Structuring Communication17:49 – Handling Disagreements18:47 – Picking Your Battles21:21 – The Myth of “Winning”24:52 – The Most Underrated Skill26:54 – Final AdviceWhat if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond
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Secrets of the Narcissist Mind with Tracy Malone
May 2800:44:37Tap to summarizeAre you co-parenting with someone who seems to change the rules, twist reality, and keep you constantly on edge? Divorce is hard enough—but when you’re dealing with manipulation, control, and emotional chaos, it can feel impossible to find your footing. In this episode, Tracy Malone, author and renowned narcissistic abuse recovery coach, breaks down exactly how to protect your peace, support your kids, and reclaim your power in a system that often feels stacked against you.Learn more about Tracy Malone at: https://tracyamalone.com/ and https://narcissistabusesupport.comGet the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/Other Resources Mentioned: Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0345487427 Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/1Lm1hG5JQiYKeywordsco-parenting with a narcissist, parallel parenting, high conflict divorce, narcissistic abuse recovery, co-parenting communication, parenting plan strategy, gaslighting and DARVO, emotional regulation for parents, supporting kids through divorce, family court strategiesTakeawaysThe Teflon Strategy: How to stop absorbing emotional attacks so they don’t derail your day—or your parenting.Parallel Parenting Reality Check: How to let go of control in the other household while staying grounded and consistent in your own.The Documentation Filter: What actually matters to track (and what will just drain your energy).The BIFF Response Method: How to reply to triggering messages without giving your ex ammunition.The Parenting Plan Power Move: How to build in protections now that save you years of stress (and thousands in legal fees) later.The Emotional Resilience Toolkit for Kids: How to help your children regulate, process, and stay grounded between two very different homes.Chapters01:22 – The Wake-Up Call: When “Normal” Isn’t Actually Normal04:31 – Parallel Parenting: Acceptance or Giving Up Control?07:13 – The Escalation Phase: What to Expect Before (and During) Divorce09:06 – Documentation Without Losing Your Sanity10:46 – The Biggest Early Mistake Most Parents Make11:27 – Post-Divorce Power Struggles: Money & Control12:43 – Communication Traps: How They Bait You Into Losing Control15:05 – The BIFF Method: Responding Without Fueling the Fire16:00 – Regulating Yourself Before You Respond17:26 – DARVO, Gaslighting & The Mind Games Explained19:07 – Supporting Kids in Two Opposite Worlds20:16 – Why Co-Parenting Can Feel Like an 18-Year Sentence23:39 – The Parenting Plan That Saves You Years of Court26:55 – Setting Boundaries Around Communication27:57 – When Your Ex Lies to Your Kids: What Actually Helps29:34 – Helping Kids Build Emotional Resilience33:20 – Signs Your Child Needs Extra Support36:51 – Peace Starts Here: Letting Go of the Fight37:13 – A Narcissist’s Favorite Tool37:28 – What the Legal System Gets Wrong39:45 – One Thing You Can Do Today to Feel More Empowered43:22 – Where to Find Tracy MaloneWhat if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond
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How to Protect Your Peace in a High-Conflict Divorce with Karen Covy
May 1400:43:35Tap to summarizeThink family court will give you closure, fairness, or emotional justice? Think again.If you’re walking into divorce expecting the system to make things right, you may be setting yourself up for more frustration, confusion, and costly mistakes. Karen Covy—attorney, divorce coach, and founder of Divorce Road Map—pulls back the curtain on what the legal system actually does (and what it doesn’t), and why so many people feel blindsided by the process. This conversation will help you shift from overwhelmed and reactive to clear, strategic, and in control—so you can protect your peace, your kids, and your future.Learn more about Karen Covy at: https://karencovy.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/zN6CrfOnZ9kTakeawaysThe CEO Shift: How to take full ownership of your divorce by building a plan, setting priorities, and leading your own “team” instead of relying solely on a lawyer.The 90% Blindspot: Why the legal system only handles a fraction of what matters—and how to proactively manage the emotional, financial, and parenting realities it ignores.The Process-First Strategy: How choosing your divorce approach (mediation, litigation, collaborative) before hiring a lawyer can dramatically change your outcome.The Board of Directors Model: How to assemble the right mix of professionals (coach, therapist, financial expert, etc.) to save money, reduce stress, and make better decisions.The Boundary Blueprint: How to set and enforce clear, realistic boundaries with a high-conflict ex—without escalating the situation.The Reality Reset: Why expecting fairness or emotional justice from court keeps you stuck—and what mindset actually leads to peace.Chapters00:00 The Moment Everything Clicks: Why the Legal System Isn’t Enough03:34 The Bottom-Up Revolution: Why Change Won’t Come from the Courts05:58 The Costly Mistake Most People Make Before Hiring a Lawyer06:58 Stuck in Limbo: How to Decide Whether to Divorce or Stay07:53 The CEO of Your Divorce: Why No One Else Will Run This for You10:17 The High-Conflict Reality Check: Stop Expecting a Peaceful Divorce11:31 Your Divorce “Board of Directors”: Who You Actually Need on Your Team15:20 Why Divorce Feels So Inefficient (and How to Stay Sane Anyway)15:32 Overwhelm & Paralysis: How to Start When You Don’t Know What to Do17:20 The Hidden Cost of Avoiding Conflict19:12 Boundaries 101: Simple, Not Easy—and Why They Matter Now22:01 When Your Ex Manipulates the Kids: What Actually Helps27:00 Boundaries with an Ex: What Works (and What Doesn’t)29:14 Communication That Doesn’t Backfire with High-Conflict Exes31:01 Parenting Plans That Actually Hold Up in Real Life34:20 Reducing Conflict Through Structure and Specificity36:05 Decision Deadlocks: Who Gets the Final Say?39:11 The Biggest Lie About Family Court40:00 Peace Starts When You Stop Trying to Win41:25 The Word Everyone Misunderstands in Divorce41:56 Why Court Can’t Give You Justice42:10 Final Advice: How to Get Through This Without Losing YourselfWhat if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond
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Stop Saying Yes: How People-Pleasing Is Sabotaging Your Co-Parenting with Amy Ballantyne
Apr 3000:34:20Tap to summarizeAre you saying “yes” just to keep the peace—while quietly losing yourself in the process? If you feel trapped between avoiding conflict and honoring your own needs, you’re not alone. Amy Ballantyne, executive coach and host of Power to the People Pleasers, breaks down how people-pleasing patterns show up in co-parenting—and how to start setting boundaries without guilt, escalation, or self-abandonment.Learn more about Amy Ballantyne at: https://www.amyballantyne.com/Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/Other Resources Mentioned:• Celebrate Yourself by Amy Ballantyne• Power to the People Pleasers PodcastSubscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/hV6YuttGURUKeywordspeople pleasing in relationships, co-parenting boundaries, high conflict co-parenting, setting boundaries with ex, self worth and boundaries, people pleaser recovery, communication skills co-parenting, conflict avoidance psychology, parenting after divorce, emotional intelligence parentingTakeawaysThe Approval Trap: How early conditioning drives people-pleasing—and shows up in co-parenting communication.The Boundary Reset: Identify your non-negotiables before the conversation so you don’t default to “yes.”The “No Without Drama” Method: Use simple, respectful language (even just “no”) without over-explaining.The Win-Win Lens: Shift from control to collaboration by finding outcomes that work for both parents and kids.The Self-Worth Link: Why stronger boundaries come from self-love—and how to start building it.The Pattern Breaker: What your child learns from your boundaries—and how to model healthier dynamics.Chapters00:00 The People-Pleasing Trap01:00 From Helper to Coach02:00 The Approval Pattern in Co-Parenting03:00 Where People Pleasing Begins05:00 The Biggest Myth About People Pleasers06:30 Why Saying No Feels So Hard08:30 Boundaries vs. Self-Abandonment10:00 Big Picture vs. Petty Fights12:00 When Co-Parenting Feels Impossible13:30 Setting Boundaries That Stick15:00 How to Say No Without Escalating17:00 What Kids Learn From Your Patterns19:00 Teaching Boundaries to Your Child22:00 The Link Between Self-Worth and Boundaries23:30 A Simple Self-Love Practice24:30 Handling Disrespect Without Losing Yourself27:00 Lightning Round: Boundaries & Self-Respect31:00 One Step to Start Changing TodayWhat if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond
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Reclaim Your Authentic Self After Narcissistic Abuse with Dr. Kerry McAvoy, PhD
Apr 1600:41:39Tap to summarizeWhy does your ex still live in your head—even after the relationship ends?If you still feel triggered, controlled, or second-guessing yourself, you’re not alone—and you’re not stuck. Dr. Kerry McAvoy, psychologist and host of Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse, explains why toxic dynamics become an internal “echo”—and how to quiet it, reclaim your voice, and parent from a grounded, empowered place.Learn more about Dr. Kerry McAvoy, PhD at: https://kerrymcavoyphd.com/Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/Other Resources Mentioned:• The Empathy Gap: It’s Black and White by Tammy Triolo• Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse PodcastSubscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/iJr0gvv_m-kKeywordsco-parenting, trauma recovery, narcissistic abuse, emotional health, boundaries, healing, self-love, family dynamicsTakeawaysThe “Internal Echo” Shift: How to recognize when your inner critic isn’t actually you—and the simple practice to start separating your voice from theirs.The Self-Protection Reframe: Why that hypervigilant voice in your head exists (it’s not weakness)—and how to calm it instead of fighting it.The Authentic Parent Reset: How to stop performing as the “perfect parent” and start showing up as your real, grounded self.The Courtroom Clarity Strategy: Why family court isn’t about proving abuse—and how understanding this reduces fear and reactivity.The Emotional Space Practice: How to support your child through a difficult co-parent without badmouthing—and actually build their resilience.The Conflict Detox Method: How to disengage from toxic communication patterns (without escalating things) and protect your peace.Chapters00:00 The Hidden Aftermath: Why leaving the relationship doesn’t end the impact01:00 When the Expert Becomes the Survivor: A psychologist’s personal story03:30 The “Voice in Your Head” Explained: How toxic partners become internalized07:30 Survival Mode vs. Empowerment: Why “victim” isn’t the full story09:30 The Co-Parenting Trap: How fear keeps you stuck even after separation11:30 The Courtroom Illusion: What family court actually cares about (and what it doesn’t)13:00 From Reaction to Intention: How to parent from your values instead of fear16:00 The “Where Are You in the Room?” Exercise (and what it reveals)19:30 Why “Codependency” might be the wrong frame22:00 Raising Resilient Kids Through Grief, Loss, and Emotional Truth26:00 When Your Child Is Hurt by the Other Parent: What actually helps30:00 The Communication Battlefield: Why toxic co-parents escalate conflict32:00 How to Stop Feeding the Chaos (and take your power back)35:00 Lightning Round: Boundaries, self-worth, and reclaiming your life39:30 The One Question That Starts Your HealingWhat if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond
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The Calm Anchor: Navigating the Storm of High-Conflict Divorce with Kirk Martin
Apr 200:44:14Tap to summarizeIs your anxiety "dumping" all over your kids and fueling the conflict?In this powerful episode, Kirk Martin of the Calm Parenting Podcast joins guest host Louise Love to reveal why your child's "defiance" is often a mirror of your own internal storm. You will walk away with a radical shift in perspective: moving from trying to control an uncooperative co-parent or a strong-willed child to becoming the "calm anchor" that leads your family to peace through your own self-regulation.Learn more about Kirk Martin and the Calm Parenting Podcast at: https://celebratecalm.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/CPZueeikppsKeywordscalm parenting, high conflict coparenting, strong-willed child, divorce recovery, emotional regulation, blended family tips, stepparenting advice, de-escalation strategies, generational trauma, BestInterest appTakeawaysThe Humility Lead: How to use vulnerability and "sitting on the floor" to invite an apology from your child without ever demanding one.The "Throw a Bone" Bridge: A specific script to engage an immature or "stubborn" co-parent by focusing on the child's confusion rather than the parent's failings.The 3-Tradition Anchor: The strategy for creating consistency across two different homes using small, repeatable rituals (like snacks or bedtime stories) to lower a child’s transition anxiety.The 7-Minute Vent: Why you must give yourself a timed container to be "furious" at your ex so it stops seeping into your parenting in the form of "passive-aggressive arrows."The Validation Boundary: How to acknowledge your child's anger about the divorce ("Of course you're mad") while simultaneously holding a firm line on respectful behavior.The Stepparent Sounding Board: Why the "tread lightly" approach builds more authority and trust with teens than jumping in as a disciplinarian.Chapters[01:07] The Son with Boxing Gloves: Why the "My Way or the Highway" approach fails with strong-willed kids.[02:44] The Superhero Wake-Up Call: The heartbreaking moment Kirk realized his anxiety was crushing his son’s spirit.[04:38] Building with Legos: Why humility is more powerful than authority in de-escalating a blow-up.[09:23] The Two-Boss Analogy: Understanding the workplace-style stress kids feel when navigating conflicting household rules.[10:55] Re-Entry Rituals: Using "treasure hunts" and fresh air to help kids transition back to your home.[13:31] Managing the Control Freak: Why your professional success might be sabotaging your parenting and personal peace.[18:21] Dealing with the "I Hate You" Phase: Validating the pain of divorce without losing your household boundaries.[28:30] The "F-You" Response: Why stepparents must tread lightly to avoid being seen as intruders.[33:48] Bracing for Puberty: Why the teenage years might actually be your favorite parenting season.[39:21] The Lightning Round: Fast answers on the biggest lies in parenting and the true definition of a "strong-willed" child.What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond
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Regulate Before You Respond: Somatic Strategies for High-Conflict Co-Parenting with Cherie Morris
Mar 1900:35:58Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Cherie Morris shares her journey from being an attorney to a coach specializing in co-parenting and conflict resolution. She emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation, somatic healing, and the need to slow down in high-conflict situations. Cherie discusses the significance of role modeling for children, setting boundaries, and the power of emotional validation. The conversation highlights practical steps for navigating co-parenting challenges and fostering a healthier environment for families.Learn more about Cherie Morris at: https://deardivorcecoach.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/9w2ygmJ-kawKeywordsco-parenting, emotional regulation, somatic healing, conflict resolution, communication, mindfulness, boundaries, parenting, self-care, personal growthTakeawaysCherie transitioned from law to coaching to help clients find joy beyond legal victories.Emotional regulation is crucial in high-conflict situations.Slowing down can prevent reactive responses and promote thoughtful communication.Somatic healing integrates mind and body for better emotional responses.Setting boundaries is essential for maintaining personal peace in co-parenting.Role modeling self-care teaches children to advocate for their own emotional needs.Responding thoughtfully is more effective than reacting impulsively.Emotional validation helps children process their feelings without alienating them from their other parent.Breaking the cycle of drama requires awareness and conscious choices.Taking care of ourselves enables us to better support our children.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:02 Transition from Law to Coaching04:06 The Importance of Slowing Down06:15 Navigating High Conflict Co-Parenting08:27 Understanding Somatic Healing10:43 Grounding Techniques for Co-Parenting12:54 Teaching Kids Emotional Regulation15:10 Responding vs. Reacting to Children18:15 Creating Emotional Independence19:38 Setting Boundaries with Co-Parents22:25 Avoiding the Drama and Power Struggles24:00 Lightning Round: Quick Insights32:26 Final Takeaways and EmpowermentWhat if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond
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Becoming Unbothered: An Energetic Strategy to Disarm the Narcissist with Denise Kavaliauskas
Mar 500:35:26Tap to summarizeIn this conversation, Denise Kavaliauskas shares her insights on navigating the complexities of divorce and co-parenting, emphasizing the importance of emotional healing, effective communication, and understanding the dynamics of high conflict situations. She discusses the pitfalls of the divorce industry, the significance of self-empowerment, and offers practical strategies for individuals facing challenging co-parenting scenarios. The discussion also touches on the concept of narcissism, the four pillars of healing, and the journey towards achieving an unbothered state amidst chaos.Learn more about Denise Kavaliauskas at: https://winningyourdivorce.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/vGgplBPd0zMResources Mentioned in This Episode:The Mastery of Love by Don Miguel Ruiz - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1878424424Divorce Corp - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REOuslPVZD4Keywordsco-parenting, divorce, high conflict, communication, healing, narcissism, family law, empowerment, divorce coaching, emotional well-beingTakeaways- Denise Kavaliauskas acts as a divorce coach, guiding clients through the divorce process.- High conflict divorces often lead to ongoing litigation and emotional turmoil.- The divorce industry can be exploitative, leading to unnecessary costs and trauma.- Empowerment is key; individuals must recognize their own strength in the divorce process.- Narcissism can complicate co-parenting, but understanding it can help in managing interactions.- The four pillars of healing include forgiveness, truth, love, and trust.- Effective communication is crucial in high conflict situations; writing can help clarify feelings.- Achieving an unbothered state is possible through self-love and healing.- Gaslighting is a common tactic in high conflict divorces; knowing your truth is essential.- Finding peace is a journey, and it can be cultivated at any moment. Sound Bites"Divorce is a scam.""Let them be who they are.""The past is practice."Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background01:01 What is a Divorce Doula?02:03 Understanding High Conflict Divorces07:05 The Divorce Industry: A Scam?10:52 Empowerment Strategies for Co-Parents15:14 The Four Pillars of Healing16:31 The Importance of Forgiveness19:33 Effective Communication Strategies21:21 Cultivating Calmness and Confidence22:18 Understanding the 'Unbothered' State24:08 Dealing with Gaslighting and Manipulation26:40 Embracing a New Relationship Dynamic28:09 The Journey of Healing and Growth30:23 The Importance of Presence in Parenting31:41 Finding Peace in the Midst of Chaos33:17 Actionable Steps to Cultivate CalmnessWhat if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond
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