In this conversation, we explore the journey of shifting focus from working directly with children to engaging with parents for greater impact. The discussion delves into the importance of resilience, the challenges of parallel parenting, and strategies for fostering a calm and confident family environment. The episode emphasizes hope and the potential for positive change in family dynamics, even in the face of co-parenting difficulties.

Learn more about Todd Sarner at: https://www.toddsarnermft.com/ and https://transformativeparenting.com/

Also check out Todd’s LinkedIn profile and YouTube channel.

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Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/EtwchoOM2Uw

Books mentioned in this episode:
Spiritual Divorce by Debbie Ford: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0061227129/
Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel Siegel: https://www.amazon.com/dp/039916510X

Keywords

parenting, resilience, attachment, family dynamics, co-parenting, parallel parenting, emotional intelligence, child development, conflict resolution, family therapy

Takeaways

• Working with parents can create more significant change.
• Resilience is built on repair, consistency, and secure attachment.
• Transitions in parenting often lead to conflict.
• It's essential to lead with calm and confidence.
• Shifting family dynamics is possible, even with challenges.
• AI technology can help filter negativity in communication.
• Parallel parenting requires understanding and strategy.
• Emotional intelligence is crucial in parenting.
• Hope is a powerful motivator in family dynamics.
• Creating supportive environments can lead to better outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Todd Sarner

02:27 The Shift from Child Therapy to Parent Support

04:11 Personal Experiences Shaping Professional Insights

04:49 Understanding Attachment and Its Importance

06:11 Navigating Parental Alienation and Its Effects

07:48 The Reality of Divorce and Its Impact on Children

11:46 Parallel Parenting vs. Collaborative Parenting

14:09 Understanding Attachment in Blended Families

16:26 Navigating Loyalty Conflicts in Co-Parenting

21:23 Strategies for Emotional Connection During Transitions

25:27 Transformative Actions for Co-Parents

28:18 Lightning Round: Quick Insights 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

In this conversation, Kirk Stange shares his unexpected journey into family law, emphasizing the importance of crafting effective parenting plans and navigating high-conflict co-parenting situations. He discusses the role of technology in communication, the significance of prenuptial agreements, and the emotional impact of family law cases. Stange also provides insights on choosing the right attorney, court expectations for cooperation, and remedies available for high-conflict situations. He concludes with advice on self-care during legal battles, highlighting the need for individuals to maintain their well-being throughout the process.

Learn more about Kirk Stange at: https://www.stangelawfirm.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/VU8_ubw7Gjs

Keywords

family law, parenting plans, co-parenting, high conflict, prenuptial agreements, legal advice, communication technology, emotional well-being, court remedies, attorney selection

Takeaways

• Kirk Stange's journey into family law was unplanned.
• Effective parenting plans should consider long-term implications.
• High conflict situations require clear communication strategies.
• Technology can aid in managing co-parenting communication.
• Prenuptial agreements can simplify future legal issues.
• Courts prefer cooperation between co-parents.
• Maintaining composure is crucial in high-conflict cases.
• Evidence of hostile communication can impact court decisions.
• Self-care is essential during legal battles.
• Finding the right attorney can significantly affect case outcomes.

Sound Bites

• "Courts prefer cooperation."
• "Don't get in the mud with the other party."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Family Law and Kirk's Journey

01:37 Common Mistakes in Parenting Plans

04:36 The Importance of Specificity in Parenting Plans

05:41 Communication Tools for High Conflict Co-Parents

08:42 The Role of Prenuptial Agreements

12:14 Navigating High Conflict Relationships

16:42 Choosing the Right Attorney

19:26 Court Expectations for Cooperation

21:39 Using Evidence in Court

23:29 Court Remedies for High Conflict Situations

24:40 Personal Reflections on Family Law Cases

28:41 Advice for Co-Parents in Crisis

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, Christina McGhee discusses the complexities of co-parenting, emphasizing the importance of keeping children at the center of the process. She shares insights on navigating high conflict situations, the role of professionals, and practical advice for parents. McGhee highlights the significance of developing guiding principles, understanding children's perspectives, and creating meaningful moments. She also addresses the necessity of self-care, setting boundaries, and the power of one parent to positively influence the co-parenting dynamic. The conversation concludes with encouraging words about hope and resilience in the face of challenges.

Resources Mentioned

• Christina's FREE 30-Page Co-Parenting Resource Guide – Packed with books for kids (by age), recommended reads for parents, tools for managing conflict, podcast suggestions, co-parenting apps, and more. Get the guide at DivorceAndChildren.com
• Christina's Guiding Principles GPT – An interactive tool that helps you clarify your values, create a personal guiding principle, and keep it top-of-mind during co-parenting challenges. https://divorceandchildren.com/northstar/
• Christin'a Book: Parenting Apart – Christina’s practical guide for raising resilient kids after separation or divorce. Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0425232123/
• SPLIT & SPLIT UP: The Teen Years – Documentary films that give a powerful, child’s-eye view of divorce and its long-term impact. https://www.splitfilm.org/

Follow Christina on Instagram and Facebook: @divorceandchildren

Follow Christina on LinkedIn: @christinamcghee

Christina's website for professionals – www.coparentingspecialist.com

Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/bFz169I3lus

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/

Keywords

co-parenting, divorce, child-centered approach, communication, parenting advice, high conflict, guiding principles, support systems, children's perspectives, meaningful moments

Takeaways

• Keep kids at the center, not in the middle of divorce.
• Parents need to focus on what they can control.
• Develop guiding principles to navigate co-parenting.
• Children often feel responsible for their parents' conflicts.
• Creating meaningful moments is essential for children.
• Self-care is crucial for effective parenting.
• It's okay to not be perfect; own your mistakes.
• Parallel parenting can be a viable approach in high conflict situations.
• A strong support circle can help parents navigate challenges.
• Hope is essential; things can improve over time.

Sound Bites

• "Kids internalize a sense of fairness."
• "It takes one parent to show up."
• "Be that lighthouse for your kids."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Co-Parenting Challenges

02:59 Keeping Kids at the Center

05:29 Navigating High Conflict Situations

07:41 Developing Guiding Principles

10:18 Understanding Children's Perspectives

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