In this conversation, Dr. Karalynn Royster discusses her journey into the field of co-parenting and high-conflict divorce, emphasizing the importance of supporting both parents and children through these challenging dynamics. She delves into the concept of gaslighting, its implications in co-parenting, and how parents can recognize and address it. Dr. Royster highlights the significance of emotional validation, self-regulation, and the impact of parental behavior on children's well-being. The discussion also touches on the pressures of perfection in parenting and the importance of seeking support during difficult times.

Learn more about Dr. Karalynn Royster at: https://learnwithlittlehouse.com/
Listen to Dr. Royster's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kids-first-co-parenting-with-dr-royster/id1828016840

Books mentioned in the episode:
Don’t Alienate the Kids! by Bill Eddy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QRMGVVT
Been There Got Out by Lisa Johnson and Chris Barry: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CY39L1W7

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Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/skPkMzKqM18

Keywords

co-parenting, gaslighting, high-conflict divorce, child psychology, emotional validation, parenting strategies, mental health, family dynamics, child development, communication

Takeaways

• Dr. Royster's journey into co-parenting support was influenced by her own childhood experiences.
• Gaslighting undermines a child's reality and can occur even unintentionally by well-meaning parents.
• Validation of a child's feelings is crucial in helping them navigate their emotions.
• Co-parents should focus on what they can control, especially their own behavior and responses.
• Children often need help understanding their emotions and cues from their bodies.
• Modeling self-regulation as a parent can significantly impact a child's emotional development.
• It's important for parents to avoid putting children in the middle of conflicts between co-parents.
• The pressure to be a perfect parent can be overwhelming and is unrealistic.
• Children may show signs of struggle through changes in behavior, intensity, or frequency of emotional outbursts.
• Seeking support and not feeling isolated is vital for parents in high-conflict situations.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Co-Parenting Challenges

01:26 The Journey into Supporting Co-Parents

04:56 Understanding Gaslighting in Parenting

09:31 Gaslighting Dynamics in Co-Parenting

12:03 Recognizing Alienation in Children

16:09 Navigating Loyalty Binds in Co-Parenting

20:11 Navigating Co-Parenting Dynamics

21:08 Emotional Development in Children

23:18 The Gifts of Co-Parenting

25:45 The Myth of Perfection in Parenting

26:56 Recognizing Signs of Struggle in Children

28:57 Self-Regulation Strategies for Children

30:43 Responding to Children's Concerns

32:51 Emp

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

In this conversation, David Pisarra, Esq. discusses the challenges fathers face in family law, particularly in child custody cases. He shares insights from his experience in family law, emphasizing the importance of effective communication, emotional support, and self-representation. David highlights the need for fathers to advocate for themselves in court and provides practical advice on how to navigate the complexities of family law, including dealing with parental alienation and the benefits of support groups. He also discusses the role of technology, such as AI, in managing co-parenting communication and the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with children during and after divorce.

Learn more about David Pissara at: https://www.unionofdads.com/

Get David's book, Dad's Child Custody Action Plan: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F5NPX97Z

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/6tOMhKJ2ng0

Keywords

family law, co-parenting, child custody, men's rights, parental alienation, family court, emotional support, self-representation, dad's law school, communication strategies

Takeaways

• Dad's Law School was born out of a need for better representation for fathers.
• Dads often enter court unprepared, lacking the necessary information about their children.
• Emotional support is crucial for fathers going through divorce.
• Vulnerability can be weaponized against men in relationships, making them hesitant to open up.
• Self-representation can save costs and empower fathers in court.
• Dads need to gather evidence and present it effectively in court.
• Anger can be detrimental in family court; calmness is key.
• Specificity in communication and court orders is essential for success.
• Parental alienation tactics can be complex and require a strong support system.
• Maintaining a detailed record of parenting activities can strengthen a father's case.

Sound Bites

• "Dads need that emotional support."
• "You cannot be too specific."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dad's Law School

02:26 The Evolution of Family Law Practice

04:13 Challenges Faced by Fathers in Court

05:44 The Importance of Support Networks for Dads

08:13 Vulnerability and Emotional Support

10:02 Advocating for Self-Representation

12:08 Common Mistakes in Court

13:39 Navigating Communication with Ex-Partners

15:21 Utilizing Technology for Better Communication

18:09 Understanding Parallel Parenting

19:59 Addressing Parental Alienation

23:37 Demonstrating Stability in Court

25:30 Final Words of Encouragement

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

In this conversation, Bridget Bennett shares her insights on navigating the complexities of family court, particularly for co-parents dealing with high conflict situations. She discusses the importance of understanding the legal process, the value of self-representation, and effective communication strategies. Bridget emphasizes the need for proper documentation, setting boundaries, and finding support systems to empower parents in their journey. The discussion also highlights the predictable patterns of high conflict dynamics and the significance of maintaining focus on the child's best interests.

Learn more about Bridget Bennett at: https://www.breakingbadasscoaching.com/

Connect with Bridget on social media: @Coach_BridgetB

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/liP5QGdtZ5E

Keywords

family court, co-parenting, self-representation, communication, high conflict, documentation, boundaries, empowerment, support, legal advice

Takeaways

• Family court can be unpredictable and often does not deliver justice as expected.
• Self-representation is a viable option for many co-parents, but it requires preparation and knowledge.
• Effective communication is crucial in co-parenting, especially in high conflict situations.
• Documentation of interactions and incidents is essential for building a strong case in family court.
• Setting clear boundaries with a co-parent is necessary to maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship.
• Understanding the behavior of a high conflict co-parent can help in managing interactions more effectively.
• Support systems, including coaches and therapists, can provide valuable guidance and reduce legal costs.
• Knowledge about the family court system empowers parents to navigate their cases more effectively.
• Maintaining focus on the child's best interests is paramount in all co-parenting decisions.
• It's important to recognize and address one's own emotional responses to high conflict situations.

Sound Bites

• "The number one boundary is a court order."
• "Learning when to not respond."
• "To not give up, to not quit."

Chapters

00:00 Navigating High Conflict Situations

02:47 Understanding Family Court Dynamics

05:00 Self-Representation in Family Court

07:40 Documenting Evidence Effectively

09:22 Communication Strategies with High Conflict Co-Parents

12:18 Setting Boundaries and Maintaining Control

14:34 Empowerment Through Knowledge and Support

16:38 Success Stories and Hope

18:55 Actionable Steps for Co-Parents

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