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/

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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

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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

In this conversation, Elise Buie, a family law attorney, shares her insights on the emotional complexities of divorce and co-parenting. She emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence, education on toxic behaviors, and the transformative potential of divorce. Elise discusses her personal journey through divorce, the role of AI in improving communication, and the necessity of building a supportive team for navigating family law. She advocates for emotional safety in co-parenting relationships and encourages seeking help during struggles, highlighting that it is normal to face challenges during such transitions.

Learn more about Elise Buie at: http://elisebuiefamilylaw.com/

Books that were mentioned in the episode:
Who Not How by Dan Sullivan
The Co-Parenting Handbook by Karen Bonnell
The Stepfamily Handbook by Karen Bonnell

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Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/nwsZz16o8A4

Keywords

family law, divorce, co-parenting, emotional intelligence, toxic relationships, AI in parenting, support systems, emotional safety, personal growth, legal advice

Takeaways

• It's not about winning and losing in family law.
• Divorce can be a transformational experience.
• Understanding narcissism and gaslighting is crucial.
• Self-reflection is key to personal growth.
• Focusing on personal finances can empower individuals.
• AI can improve communication in co-parenting.
• Emotional intelligence is vital during divorce.
• Building a supportive team is essential for co-parents.
• Emotional safety should be prioritized in co-parenting.
• Struggling is normal; seeking help is important.

Sound Bites

• "Turn the mirror on yourself."
• "AI has changed the game."
• "We cannot talk about this enough."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

05:05 Transformational Power of Divorce

09:47 The Role of AI in Co-Parenting

15:31 The Dangers of Aggressive Legal Representation

20:14 Building a Supportive Team

24:41 Creative Solutions to Co-Parenting Challenges

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 enlightening conversation, Heather Wolfe shares her extensive experience in social work and her insights into co-parenting with a narcissistic partner. She discusses the challenges faced by parents in high conflict situations, the importance of understanding narcissism, and practical strategies for managing these relationships. Heather emphasizes the need for documentation, building a support network, and self-care for non-narcissistic parents. The conversation also covers the nuances of parallel parenting and navigating the court system, providing listeners with valuable tools and hope for their situations.

Learn more about Heather Wolfe at: https://www.empoweringsh.com/

Check out Heather's book, Practical Co-Parenting With a Narcissist on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1069226807

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/Np0AoDt7fjQ

Takeaways

• There's a lot of high conflict in co-parenting situations.
• Narcissism is often misunderstood and under-recognized.
• Documentation is crucial in high conflict cases.
• Self-care is essential for non-narcissistic parents.
• Parallel parenting can help reduce conflict.
• Narcissistic supply can come in various forms.
• It's important to have a good support network.
• Children need to learn about boundaries and healthy relationships.
• Extracurricular activities can help children cope with stress.
• Don't give up; there is hope for a better future.

Keywords

co-parenting, narcissism, high conflict, child custody, emotional abuse, support network, parallel parenting, self-care, documentation, family court

Sound Bites

• "Narcissism is a global issue."
• "This book will give you hope."
• "You can't control anyone."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Co-Parenting and Narcissism

01:53 Understanding Narcissism and Its Impact

02:51 Identifying Narcissistic Traits in Co-Parents

05:07 The Checklist for Recognizing Narcissism

06:39 Narcissistic Supply Explained

07:09 Strategies for Reducing Narcissistic Supply

14:28 Building a Support Network

16:52 Navigating Family Dynamics and Support

17:19 Understanding Parallel Parenting

18:11 The Court's Perspective on Parenting Styles

20:42 Documenting Evidence for Effective Co-Parenting

22:13 Recognizing the Impact on Children

23:37 The Importance of Self-Care for Co-Parents

23:50 Practical Self-Care Strategies

25:47 Myths About Co-Parenting with a Narcissist

26:33 Modeling Healthy Relationships for Children

27:17 What to Stop Doing Immediately

28:31 Grieving the Loss of Idealized Co-Parenting

29:51 Messages of Hope for Overwhelmed 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 episode of Coparenting Beyond Conflict, host Sol Kennedy speaks with Stephanie McPhail, a Divorce Certified Crisis Counselor and Life Success Coach. They discuss the complexities of navigating unhealthy relationships, the importance of self-discovery and healing, and the role of boundaries in relationships. Stephanie shares her personal journey through an abusive marriage and how she learned to empower herself and others. The conversation also touches on co-parenting in high-conflict situations, the impact of technology on communication, and the importance of teaching children to deal with difficult people. Ultimately, the episode emphasizes the possibility of creating a new life after divorce and the importance of stepping into one's power.

Learn more about Stephanie McPhail at: https://www.beinglovedshouldnthurt.com/

Check out Stephanie's book, Being Loved Shouldn't Hurt on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1987770048

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/Np0AoDt7fjQ

Keywords

co-parenting, divorce, emotional abuse, boundaries, self-discovery, healing, relationships, technology, empowerment, support

Takeaways

• Navigating unhealthy relationships often stems from childhood experiences.
• Self-discovery is crucial for healing after an abusive relationship.
• Boundaries are essential in maintaining healthy relationships.
• Co-parenting in high-conflict situations requires emotional intelligence and self-awareness.
• Technology can aid in managing communication with difficult co-parents.
• Teaching children to deal with difficult people is a valuable life skill.
• Empathy should not lead to enabling toxic behavior.
• Recognizing the difference between love and anxiety is vital for healthy relationships.
• You have the power to create a new life for yourself after divorce.
• It's important to prioritize your own well-being in relationships.

Sound Bites

• "You can create something different."
• "Love should feel calm, not anxious."
• "You deserve so much more."

Chapters

00:00 Stephanie's Journey to Healing

04:52 Recognizing Toxic Relationships

10:01 Navigating Co-Parenting with a Narcissist

15:50 The Importance of Boundaries

21:14 Teaching Kids to Deal with Difficult People

23:34 Leveraging Technology for Conflict Resolution

25:39 Words of Encouragement for the Past Self

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, Greg Wheeler shares his journey as a single dad and the challenges he faced, leading to the creation of resources for single parents. He discusses the importance of co-parenting, the concept of conscious uncoupling, and how personal growth can transform relationships. The dialogue emphasizes the need for awareness of negative patterns, the role of curiosity in communication, and the significance of individual work in fostering healthier family dynamics.

Learn more about Greg Wheeler at: https://www.gregwheelercoaching.com

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Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/OjqI92FupLk

Takeaways

• Greg became a single dad in 1997 and faced many challenges.
• Single dads often struggle to build support networks.
• Co-parenting should focus on what's best for the children.
• Conscious uncoupling helps individuals understand their patterns.
• Negative patterns often stem from childhood experiences.
• Healing can change family dynamics positively.
• Personal growth is essential for better relationships.
• Curiosity in communication can lead to deeper understanding.
• Generational patterns influence current behaviors.
• It's important to be proactive in seeking change.

Sound Bites

• "You can do it on your own."
• "Curiosity opens up a lot of doors."
• "You need to be willing to change."

Chapters

00:00 Journey to Conscious Uncoupling
02:24 Challenges Faced by Single Dads
04:14 The Impact of Divorce on Children
06:18 Understanding Conscious Uncoupling
08:31 Unconscious Patterns in Relationships
10:44 The Process of Healing and Growth
12:55 The Importance of Inner Work
15:04 Navigating Divorce with Consciousness
17:05 Personal Transformation and Family Dynamics
20:07 Understanding Unconscious Patterns and Family Dynamics
24:55 The Importance of Curiosity in Communication
29:43 Navigating Co-Parenting and Healthy Relationships
29:45 Identity and Growth Through Divorce
33:55 Hope and Proactivity in Relationship Changes

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, we explore the complexities of navigating the family court system, particularly focusing on self-representation in high conflict divorce cases. Chris Barry and Lisa Johnson share their insights on the emotional challenges, strategic communication, and the importance of building a supportive team. They discuss common pitfalls faced by self-represented litigants and emphasize the need for proper documentation and understanding courtroom decorum. The role of technology and innovative tools in legal battles is also examined, alongside the transformative journey from trauma to empowerment. Finally, Chris and Lisa outline their upcoming resources and courses aimed at helping individuals navigate these challenging situations more effectively.

Learn more about Lisa Johnson and Chris Barry at: https://www.beentheregotout.com

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Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/SIwIEVUutO0

Keywords

family court, self-representation, high conflict divorce, strategic communication, legal advice, emotional support, co-parenting, technology in law, trauma recovery, legal education

Takeaways

• Going pro se often stems from financial constraints.
• Emotional detachment is crucial when representing yourself.
• High conflict divorces can last for years and drain resources.
• Proper courtroom demeanor is essential for success.
• Documentation is key; everything can become evidence.
• Understanding the legal system is vital to avoid pitfalls.
• Therapists should not provide legal advice.
• Building a support team is crucial for emotional health.
• Strategic communication can protect against false claims.
• Knowledge of your ex's behavior patterns is empowering.

Sound Bites

• "It's terrifying to be in a courtroom."
• "You need to get that foundation first."
• "You need a trauma-informed therapist."

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Family Court System

04:32 The Birth of a Supportive Community

08:24 Common Pitfalls in Self-Representation

12:27 The Importance of Communication and Behavior in Court

16:41 Building Your Support Team

21:24 The Importance of Professional Support in Healing

26:54 Navigating Family Dynamics and Support

28:55 Strategic Communication with Toxic Exes

33:32 The Role of Technology in Documentation

34:50 Transformative Healing and Personal Growth

40:04 Building a Productive Partnership

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