231. When Your Ex Starts Dating: How to Handle Their New Partner and Protect Your Kids

If you’ve ever felt that jolt of panic when your child shares that they've been spending time with "daddy's new girlfriend" or "mommy's new boyfriend"…

…you’re not alone.

That moment can trigger fear, jealousy, grief, and of course, a protective instinct that makes you want to react fast. And sometimes that turns into a moment we later regret.

In this episode, we’ll help you slow down and respond with wisdom instead of emotion. You’ll learn how to make a helpful first impression (even if you don’t feel ready), how to reduce tension that fuels loyalty binds, and move toward a healthier co-parenting dynamic without just pretending everything is “fine.”

You’ll Discover

• What to do when you feel unsettled by your ex's “recoupling”
• How to protect your kids from getting stuck in the middle and stay focused on their well-being
• How to set a healthy tone with the new partner (and your ex), so you can avoid common missteps that often strain co-parenting

Resources from this Episode:

• Episode 229. The Heavy Burdens Kids Carry: Loyalty Binds, Parental Allegiance, and How to Help
• Episode 226. How Two Homes Raise Kids that Thrive: A Co-Parenting Blueprint for Caring Parents [with Jay & Tammy Daughtry]
• Episode 161. How do Healthy Parent/Child Roles Help Avoid the Pitfalls of Parentification? [with Ron Deal & Lauren Reitsema]
• Episode 162. How to Healthy Step-Parent/Step-Child Dynamics Avoid the Pitfalls of Step-Parentification [with Ron Deal & Lauren Reitsema]

For Stepparents:

• Episode 44: Why does my Husband's Ex Think I'm the Enemy?
• Episode 45: How to Cooperate More with Your Spouse's Uncooperative Ex
• Episode 91: Is Your Husband's Hostile Ex-Wife Invading Your Life, Stealing Your Joy and Confidence?
• Episode 170. Co-Parenting Pitfalls for Bio and Step Parents: How to Avoid "Milestone Mishaps"

Ready for some extra support?

We're here to help. You can connect with us for a free coaching call to see how we might help you experience more clarity, confidence and connection in your home. Schedule your free call here: https://calendly.com/mikeandkimcoaching/freesession

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