From Chaos to Harmony: How Bio-Moms Can Navigate Co-Parenting After Divorce"

Episode: Managing Stepparenting Relationships - Part 3

Host: Christina Previte, Founder & CEO of Wolf Esquires law firm

Guest: Maria Natapov of Synergistic Stepparenting

Episode Highlights:

• Bio-Mom's Perspective: This episode focuses on the challenges faced by biological mothers when their ex-partners enter new relationships
• Common Challenges:
  • Feelings of abandonment when ex-partners move on quickly
  • Emotional turbulence including guilt, shame, fear, isolation and overwhelm
  • Concerns about who is spending time with their children
  • Loss of control over parenting decisions in the other home
• Processing Emotions:
  • Maria emphasizes the importance of sitting with uncomfortable feelings
  • Recommendations for self-care: therapy, proper sleep, nutrition, physical activity, hobbies
  • Suggestion to "bookend" emotional processing time daily
• Effective Co-Parenting:
  • Creating a new dynamic as "partners in the business of co-parenting"
  • Using communication frameworks (Maria mentions BH2O coaching)
  • Customizing communication frequency based on family needs
  • Understanding the "why" behind parenting decisions
• Getting Support:
  • The importance of professional help through transition periods
  • Building better foundations for understanding all parties' needs
  • Not expecting to instinctively know how to navigate co-parenting after divorce
• The Sparrow Collective:
  • Maria discusses her nonprofit supporting women during divorce
  • Creating housing (27 apartments) for women with children impacted by divorce
  • Targeting those with annual incomes between $35,000-$75,000
  • Providing on-site resources: legal guidance, financial planning, career coaching, childcare
  • Currently fundraising with plans to begin renovations in late summer/early fall
  • Website: thesparrowcollective.org

Contact Information:

• Maria Natapov: maria@synergisticstepparenting.com
• The Sparrow Collective: thesparrowcollective.org

In Part 2 of the Managing Step-Parenting Relationships series, Christina Previte and Maria Natapov explore the stepmother’s role in blended families. From building rapport with children to navigating household dynamics, this episode unpacks the unique challenges and joys of being a stepmom. Learn actionable tips to foster connection, set boundaries, and create harmony in your new family structure.

In the debut episode of Lawyer Radio, Christina Previte, CEO of WOLF Esquires, is joined by Maria Natapov, founder of Synergistic Step Parenting. Together, they dive into the challenges and nuances of co-parenting and step-parenting from a father’s perspective. Tackling everything from emotional upheavals to blending new family dynamics, this episode emphasizes the importance of communication, patience, and putting children first in post-divorce relationships.