In this conversation, Joe Dillon, a seasoned mediator, shares his journey into mediation, influenced by his childhood experiences with divorce. He emphasizes the importance of understanding children's perspectives during parental conflicts and the need for effective communication between parents. Joe discusses the role of mediation as a peaceful alternative to litigation, highlighting the emotional and financial challenges faced by families. He provides insights into the skills necessary for effective mediation and offers techniques for dealing with difficult personalities, particularly in high-conflict situations. The conversation concludes with a message of hope for parents navigating divorce, emphasizing that with support and understanding, they can create a positive environment for their children.

Learn more about Joe Dillon at: https://www.equitablemediation.com/

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Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/027stxm8Vk0

Keywords

mediation, divorce, peacemaker, parenting, conflict resolution, emotional support, financial discussions, communication, co-parenting, family dynamics

Takeaways
- Joe's journey into mediation was influenced by his childhood experiences with divorce.
- Children are highly perceptive and aware of parental conflicts, even if they can't articulate it.
- It's crucial for parents to keep their conflicts away from their children to protect their emotional well-being.
- Mediation offers a peaceful alternative to litigation, focusing on collaboration rather than conflict.
- Parents often struggle with reluctance to mediate due to fear and emotional challenges.
- Financial realities play a significant role in divorce, and both parties need to be supported.
- Mediation can help alleviate fears and provide a clearer understanding of financial situations during divorce.
- Effective communication is key in mediation, especially when dealing with difficult personalities.
- Acknowledging and validating the other person's feelings can help facilitate resolution in conflicts.
- Education and resources empower individuals to navigate the complexities of divorce and co-parenting.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating the Holiday Rush: A Mediator's Perspective

04:19 The Impact of High Conflict Divorces on Children

09:00 The Importance of a United Front for Parents

12:49 The Role of Mediation in Divorce

16:45 The Fear of the Unknown in Divorce

21:59 Navigating Financial Realities in Divorce

27:13 Mediation vs. Litigation: A Safer Path

29:11 Finding the Right Mediator

33:07 Techniques for Dealing with Difficult Personalities

37:45 Reassurance for Parents Facing Divorce

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, Teresa Luse shares her journey through co-parenting and the challenges of navigating relationships with ex-partners. She emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, empathy, and communication in fostering a healthier co-parenting dynamic. Teresa discusses the impact of labeling co-parents as narcissists and encourages listeners to focus on their own actions and responses. The conversation highlights the potential for healing and growth, even in difficult situations, and offers practical strategies for improving co-parenting relationships.

Learn more about Teresa Luse at: https://teresaluse.com/

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Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/nWBCnpZx3rw

Keywords

co-parenting, narcissism, emotional intelligence, self-reflection, empathy, communication, family dynamics, healing, step-parenting, conflict resolution

Takeaways

• Co-parenting requires intention and focus on the child's best interest.
• Self-reflection is key to overcoming challenges in co-parenting.
• Empathy can diffuse hostility and foster better communication.
• Labeling a co-parent as a narcissist can hinder personal growth.
• Understanding emotional immaturity can help in navigating conflicts.
• Healing from past trauma is essential for effective co-parenting.
• Dropping the baggage from past relationships can lead to a fresh start.
• Using the golden rule can improve interactions with co-parents.
• Acknowledging shared goals can create common ground in co-parenting.
• There is always potential for improvement in co-parenting relationships.

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Co-Parenting Challenges

04:03 Empowerment Through Self-Reflection

09:42 The Golden Rule in Co-Parenting

11:18 Understanding Emotional Immaturity

13:24 Defining Narcissism vs. Narcissistic Behavior

16:51 Healing from Past Trauma

19:41 Dropping the Baggage

23:38 Using Empathy to Foster Cooperation

26:23 Finding Positives in Co-Parenting

28:36 Words of Hope and Future Possibilities

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, Sol and Erin Levine discuss the complexities of divorce, especially during the holiday season. Erin shares her journey from being a family law attorney to founding Hello Divorce, a platform aimed at providing a more humane and accessible approach to divorce. They explore the emotional challenges of divorce, the importance of communication in co-parenting, and how technology, particularly AI, can help ease the process. Erin emphasizes the need for alternatives to the traditional lawyer-led model and offers insights on how to navigate the divorce process with less conflict and more understanding.

Learn more about Hello Divorce at: http://hellodivorce.com/

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

Keywords

divorce, co-parenting, family law, AI in divorce, Hello Divorce, communication, divorce process, mediation, access to justice, emotional health

Takeaways

• The holiday season often heightens emotions around divorce.
• Many people are unaware of alternatives to traditional divorce processes.
• Conflict is often incentivized in the legal system.
• Divorce is a significant life transition that impacts many aspects of life.
• AI can help reduce anxiety and provide clarity during divorce.
• Communication tools can lower stress and conflict in co-parenting.
• It's essential to educate oneself about divorce options before proceeding.
• Setting ground rules can help manage communication during divorce.
• Divorce doesn't have to be a battle; mediation is a viable option.
• No-fault divorce is crucial for personal freedom and safety.

Sound Bites

• "Divorce will never be easy."
• "You're on your own timeline."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and New Year Reflections

03:05 The Journey from Attorney to Innovator

05:58 Shifting the Divorce Paradigm

08:21 Innovations in Divorce: Introducing AI

10:45 Communication Tools for Co-Parenting

12:58 Navigating Conflict and Communication

15:20 Practical Steps for Collaborative Divorce

23:02 Navigating Divorce with a Mean Lawyer

26:39 The Lightning Round: Quick Insights on Divorce

30:59 The Impact of No-Fault Divorce

34:42 Transformative Actions for Those Facing Divorce

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

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.

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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/id1828016840

Books mentioned in the episode:
Don’t Alienate the Kids! by Bill Eddy: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09QRMGVVT
Been There Got Out by Lisa Johnson and Chris Barry: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CY39L1W7

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Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/skPkMzKqM18

Keywords

co-parenting, gaslighting, high-conflict divorce, child psychology, emotional validation, parenting strategies, child development

Takeaways

• Dr. 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.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Co-Parenting Challenges

01:26 The Journey into Supporting Co-Parents

04:56 Understanding Gaslighting in Parenting

09:31 Gaslighting Dynamics in Co-Parenting

12:03 Recognizing Alienation in Children

16:09 Navigating Loyalty Binds in Co-Parenting

20:11 Navigating Co-Parenting Dynamics

21:08 Emotional Development in Children

23:18 The Gifts of Co-Parenting

25:45 The Myth of Perfection in Parenting

26:56 Recognizing Signs of Struggle in Children

28:57 Self-Regulation Strategies for Children

30:43 Responding to Children's Concerns

32:51 Empowerment in Co-Parenting

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, 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/B0F5NPX97Z

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Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/6tOMhKJ2ng0

Keywords

family law, co-parenting, child custody, men's rights, parental alienation, family court, emotional support, self-representation, dad's law school, communication strategies

Takeaways

• Dad'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."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dad's Law School

02:26 The Evolution of Family Law Practice

04:13 Challenges Faced by Fathers in Court

05:44 The Importance of Support Networks for Dads

08:13 Vulnerability and Emotional Support

10:02 Advocating for Self-Representation

12:08 Common Mistakes in Court

13:39 Navigating Communication with Ex-Partners

15:21 Utilizing Technology for Better Communication

18:09 Understanding Parallel Parenting

19:59 Addressing Parental Alienation

23:37 Demonstrating Stability in Court

25:30 Final Words of Encouragement

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, 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_BridgetB

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Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/liP5QGdtZ5E

Keywords

family court, co-parenting, self-representation, communication, high conflict, documentation, boundaries, empowerment, support, legal advice

Takeaways

• Family 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."

Chapters

00:00 Navigating High Conflict Situations

02:47 Understanding Family Court Dynamics

05:00 Self-Representation in Family Court

07:40 Documenting Evidence Effectively

09:22 Communication Strategies with High Conflict Co-Parents

12:18 Setting Boundaries and Maintaining Control

14:34 Empowerment Through Knowledge and Support

16:38 Success Stories and Hope

18:55 Actionable Steps 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, 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