Conflict after divorce is one of the hardest challenges to navigate—especially when you’re co-parenting with a difficult ex. I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to avoid conflict on the outside, only to create even more of it inside yourself. That’s why in this episode of Co-Parenting with Confidence, I’m breaking down what conflict really is, the hidden patterns that keep us stuck, and the third option we often miss when we feel trapped between speaking up or staying silent.

I share insights from Jason Gattis’ book Getting to Zero along with my own journey of learning to self-regulate, set boundaries, and choose authentic responses instead of falling into people-pleasing or avoidance. By understanding your “relational blueprint” and recognizing your coping style, you can begin to transform conflict into an opportunity for growth—for yourself, and for your kids.

Takeaways:

• Why conflict is normal—and not something to fear.
• Four common coping styles and how they show up.
• The “third choice” that stops self-betrayal.
• Practical ways to decide which conflicts are worth engaging in.

If you’re ready to stop feeling powerless and start showing up with confidence, reach out—I’d love to support you.
https://calendly.com/coachwithmikki/co-parent-breakthrough-call

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who might need a fresh perspective on co-parenting!

For more information go to my website here: https://mikkigardner.com/podcast/

© 2021 - 2025 Mikki Gardner Coaching

Today we continue our look back at some of the most popular episodes of Co-Parenting with Confidence.

In this encore episode, I share one of my favorite truths: your feelings don’t come from your ex, your circumstances, or the outside world—they come from your thoughts. When I discovered this, it completely shifted how I showed up as a mom and co-parent. Understanding that I’m not at the mercy of anyone else has been both liberating and empowering, and I want the same freedom for you.

I’ll walk you through how our thoughts create our feelings, how those feelings drive our actions, and how awareness is the key to taking back control. You’ll also learn a simple but powerful tool—four questions from Byron Katie—that can help you reframe the painful thoughts that keep you stuck.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, frustrated, or hopeless in your co-parenting journey, this episode will give you the mindset shifts you need to reclaim your peace and confidence.

Takeaways:

• Your feelings come from your thoughts, not external circumstances.
• You always have the power to choose how you think and feel.
• Awareness creates freedom and choice.
• A simple 4-question tool can help shift painful thought patterns.

If you’re ready to stop feeling powerless and start showing up with confidence, reach out—I’d love to support you. https://calendly.com/coachwithmikki/co-parent-breakthrough-call

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who might need a fresh perspective on co-parenting!

For more information go to my website here: https://mikkigardner.com/podcast/

© 2021 - 2025 Mikki Gardner Coaching

In this encore of episode #2, Mikki explores the emotional challenges faced by co-parents and emphasizes the importance of understanding the origins of our feelings. She discusses how our thoughts shape our emotions and actions, empowering listeners to take control of their emotional responses. Mikki introduces tools such as Byron Katie's four questions to help individuals reframe their thoughts and create positive change in their co-parenting relationships.

What You’ll Learn:

• Understanding that feelings stem from our thoughts, not external circumstances.
• We have the power to change our thoughts and, consequently, our feelings.
• Being aware of our thought patterns is crucial for emotional well-being.
• We cannot change others, but we can change our reactions to them.
• The importance of questioning our thoughts to gain clarity and control.
• Byron Katie's four questions can help reframe painful thoughts.
• Living on autopilot leads to feeling like a victim of circumstances.
• Choosing intentional thoughts can lead to positive actions and outcomes.
• Self-awareness is the first step towards empowerment in co-parenting.
• Old thinking patterns will not yield new results; change is necessary for growth.

If this resonates ... you’re not alone. And you don’t have to figure it out on your own. If you’re ready to build a foundation that can’t be shaken — reach out. Let’s talk. https://calendly.com/coachwithmikki/co-parent-breakthrough-call

Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who might need a fresh perspective on co-parenting!

For more information go to my website here: https://mikkigardner.com/podcast/

© 2021 - 2025 Mikki Gardner Coaching