Coparenting Beyond Conflict: High-Conflict Divorce and Custody Strategies

Sol and Louise reflect on their podcast journey, discussing the challenges of co-parenting, the importance of community support, and the valuable insights shared by their podcast guests. They highlight key episodes that resonated with listeners, emphasizing the need for child-centric approaches in high-conflict situations. The conversation also touches on future plans for the podcast.Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/EPISODES MENTIONED IN THIS RECAP:In Episode 1, narcissism expert Dr. Ramani Durvasula validates the painful reality that co-parenting with an antagonistic personality often is. In Episode 3, attorney Ron Gore gives us tools to effectively navigate the legal system as a coparent. In Episode 8, codependency expert Erika Wright shares her unique take on codepency and provides a roadmap to overcoming it and being the best parent you can be. In Episode 11, attorney Tamara Rowles gives advice on how to cope and find the growth that comes with difficult experiences like divorce.In Episode 12, narcissism expert Wendy Behary explains the underpinnings of narcissism and how to properly navigate dealing with one.In Episode 16, high conflict experts Chris & Lisa share their techniques on strategic communication and self-representation in court.In Episode 17, conscious uncoupling coach Greg Wheeler, shares his insights on a helpful technique to move on from the past and step into your future.In Episode 18,  author Stephanie McPhail shares her harrowing story of physical abuse to illustrate the importance of boundaries. In Episode 20, attorney Elise Buie warns against hiring "bulldog" attorneys who throw "hand grenades" into families, escalating conflict and costs unnecessarily.In 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, 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/id1828016840Books mentioned in the episode: Don’t Alienate the Kids! by Bill Eddy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QRMGVVTBeen There Got Out by Lisa Johnson and Chris Barry:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CY39L1W7Get 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/skPkMzKqM18Keywordsco-parenting, gaslighting, high-conflict divorce, child psychology, emotional validation, parenting strategies, child developmentTakeawaysDr. 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Co-Parenting Challenges01:26 The Journey into Supporting Co-Parents04:56 Understanding Gaslighting in Parenting09:31 Gaslighting Dynamics in Co-Parenting12:03 Recognizing Alienation in Children16:09 Navigating Loyalty Binds in Co-Parenting20:11 Navigating Co-Parenting Dynamics21:08 Emotional Development in Children23:18 The Gifts of Co-Parenting25:45 The Myth of Perfection in Parenting26:56 Recognizing Signs of Struggle in Children28:57 Self-Regulation Strategies for Children30:43 Responding to Children's Concerns32:51 Empowerment in Co-ParentingWhat 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/B0F5NPX97ZGet 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/6tOMhKJ2ng0Keywordsfamily law, co-parenting, child custody, men's rights, parental alienation, family court, emotional support, self-representation, dad's law school, communication strategiesTakeawaysDad'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."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dad's Law School02:26 The Evolution of Family Law Practice04:13 Challenges Faced by Fathers in Court05:44 The Importance of Support Networks for Dads08:13 Vulnerability and Emotional Support10:02 Advocating for Self-Representation12:08 Common Mistakes in Court13:39 Navigating Communication with Ex-Partners15:21 Utilizing Technology for Better Communication18:09 Understanding Parallel Parenting19:59 Addressing Parental Alienation23:37 Demonstrating Stability in Court25:30 Final Words of EncouragementWhat 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_BridgetBGet 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/liP5QGdtZ5EKeywordsfamily court, co-parenting, self-representation, communication, high conflict, documentation, boundaries, empowerment, support, legal adviceTakeawaysFamily 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."Chapters00:00 Navigating High Conflict Situations02:47 Understanding Family Court Dynamics05:00 Self-Representation in Family Court07:40 Documenting Evidence Effectively09:22 Communication Strategies with High Conflict Co-Parents12:18 Setting Boundaries and Maintaining Control14:34 Empowerment Through Knowledge and Support16:38 Success Stories and Hope18:55 Actionable Steps for Co-ParentsWhat 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 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.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/EtwchoOM2UwBooks 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 Keywordsparenting, resilience, attachment, family dynamics, co-parenting, parallel parenting, emotional intelligence, child development, conflict resolution, family therapyTakeawaysWorking 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background of Todd Sarner02:27 The Shift from Child Therapy to Parent Support04:11 Personal Experiences Shaping Professional Insights04:49 Understanding Attachment and Its Importance06:11 Navigating Parental Alienation and Its Effects07:48 The Reality of Divorce and Its Impact on Children11:46 Parallel Parenting vs. Collaborative Parenting14:09 Understanding Attachment in Blended Families16:26 Navigating Loyalty Conflicts in Co-Parenting21:23 Strategies for Emotional Connection During Transitions25:27 Transformative Actions for Co-Parents28:18 Lightning Round: Quick Insights for Co-ParentsWhat 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