When you’re fighting for your children in family court, your truth alone isn’t enough — you need proof.
In this episode of Surviving and Thriving, I’m getting real about my own mistakes and breakthroughs when it comes to documentation. I’ll share how I went from emotional reactions to strategic record-keeping that changed the outcome of my case — and why every message, screenshot, and calendar entry matters more than you think.
If you’ve ever felt dismissed, gaslit, or outmatched in court, this episode will help you shift from reactive to ready.

For more check out: www.breakingbadasscoaching.com

And find Bridget on socials @coach_bridgetb

Welcome to another episode of Surviving and Thriving, the podcast dedicated to exploring the resilience and strength of those overcoming life's toughest challenges. I'm your host, Bridget, and today we delve into a critically important and often overlooked topic: the struggles of single mothers, particularly those who have survived domestic abuse and navigated the complex family court system.

In this episode, we shed light on the multifaceted challenges that single mothers face, especially in the wake of extreme financial abuse. I share my personal journey of not receiving court-ordered child support payments and the financial hardships that ensued while providing for my four children. We discuss how the family court system often fails to enforce child support, leaving many women to bear financial burdens alone.

We also explore the broader context of financial abuse, including its tactics and devastating impact on survivors and their children. This episode offers practical tips for seeking community support, navigating the legal system, and obtaining mental health resources. We address common questions about financial abuse, its signs, and the impact it has on children's lives.

Join us as we uncover the systemic failures that perpetuate financial abuse and share stories of resilience. Remember, the challenges you face do not define you—your strength and resilience do. Reach out for help, connect with supportive communities, and continue to thrive. Stay strong, baddies!

Welcome back to Surviving and Thriving, the Breaking Badass Podcast, hosted by Bridget. After a brief holiday break, Bridget returns to discuss a topic close to her heart: navigating the dating world as a single mom post-divorce. This journey is filled with self-discovery, self-love, and breaking toxic cycles.

Bridget shares her personal experiences, highlighting the challenges of balancing dating with parenting and protecting one's heart while remaining open to new possibilities. She offers insights into why dating apps might not be the best solution and the empowering experience of learning to date yourself.

Listeners will hear stories of ups and downs in the dating world, the importance of recognizing one's worth, and practical tips for single parents. Bridget emphasizes the significance of setting boundaries, trusting one's instincts, and prioritizing self-care.

Join Bridget as she provides a heartfelt guide to navigating post-divorce dating, encouraging self-love and empowerment. Embrace the journey, learn from every experience, and above all, know your worth.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of 'Surviving and Thriving, the Breaking Badass Podcast', a thought-provoking space that delves into the often untold tales of surviving child abuse, sexual assault, and domestic violence. The host, Bridget, a resilient survivor herself, provides an insightful background about her life journey and the way she has played the role of a generational cycle-breaker, healer, and mentor.

In this podcast series, Bridget explores a spectrum of issues vital for survivors, including the litany of challenges presented by the family court system for domestic abuse survivors and the dire need for comprehensive support systems. The podcast also focuses on rebuilding relationships post-toxicity, identifying and breaking unhealthy personal patterns, and navigating dating after trauma.

Another primary theme emphasized is the impact of abuse on children – how to offer them the best possible upbringing despite adversities and protect our own energies along the way. Importantly, 'Surviving and Thriving, the Breaking Badass Podcast' aims to create a supportive community where survivors share their experiences and uplift each other. Bridget invites listeners to join her in breaking the cycle, continually surviving and thriving, and envisioning a future full of hope, healing, and empowerment.

Make sure to subscribe to 'Surviving and Thriving, the Breaking Badass Podcast' and never miss an episode. Feel free to send in your story or topic suggestions via social media or direct email. The contact details are listed in the show notes. Until next time, take good care of yourself and always remember, you are never alone.

In this episode of Surviving and Thriving, Bridget discusses the emotional and financial struggles faced by single parents dealing with high conflict exes. She emphasizes the importance of reclaiming personal power by letting go of financial expectations from an uncooperative co-parent. Bridget shares her journey of overcoming the control dynamics in her relationship and encourages listeners to focus on their own financial independence and well-being.

In this episode of Surviving and Thriving, host Bridget Bennett explores the profound impact of childhood experiences on adult relationships. She discusses how unhealthy relationship patterns often stem from early life experiences and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in breaking these cycles. The episode provides practical steps for healing, including setting boundaries and practicing self-love, while encouraging listeners to reflect on their own relationship patterns and seek support when needed.

Takeaways

• Recognizing unhealthy relationships often stems from childhood experiences.
• Awareness is the first step towards change.
• Red flags in relationships can indicate deeper issues.
• Setting boundaries is crucial for self-love.
• Healing is a journey that requires patience and effort.
• Codependency is a toxic trait that needs to be addressed.
• Self-awareness can help break harmful patterns.
• Therapy and support systems are essential for healing.
• Inner child work can reconnect you with your true self.
• Celebrating small victories is important in the healing process.

Keywords: healing, relationships, childhood trauma, self-awareness, boundaries, toxic traits, personal growth, family court, codependency, self-love

Sound Bites

• "Awareness is the first step towards change."
• "Boundaries are an act of self-love."
• "Act of Self-Love is the greatest love."

Summary

In this heartfelt episode, Bridget Bennett shares her personal journey of parental alienation, exploring the emotional turmoil and manipulation she faced as a child. She reflects on her childhood memories, the impact of her parents' divorce, and the struggles of navigating family dynamics. Bridget discusses the long-lasting effects of alienation on her identity and relationships, emphasizing the importance of healing, setting boundaries, and finding clarity in her life. Through her story, she offers encouragement to others who may be experiencing similar challenges, highlighting the possibility of healing and growth.

Takeaways

Parental alienation can feel like losing a parent while they are still alive.
Childhood memories shape our understanding of family dynamics.
Divorce can have profound effects on children's emotional well-being.
Manipulation and smear campaigns can distort a child's perception of their parents.
Stepparents can complicate family relationships and dynamics.
The struggle for identity often stems from parental alienation.
Longing for maternal connection can persist into adulthood.
Healing involves reparenting oneself and addressing past traumas.
Setting boundaries is essential for emotional protection.
Healing is possible, even without reconciliation.

Welcome to the season finale of Surviving and Thriving: The Breaking Badass Podcast. In this powerful and emotional episode, host Bridget bravely shares her personal story of enduring and escaping domestic violence. As she recounts the harrowing experiences with her abuser, she provides insights into the psychological and emotional manipulation that often traps victims in a cycle of abuse.

Bridget discusses the challenges she faced in obtaining a domestic violence protective order, the emotional toll of her journey, and the resilience required to finally break free. She also highlights the broader issue of underreported marital rape and the complexities surrounding mutual retaliatory restraining orders.

This episode is a poignant reminder of the importance of support systems and the courage it takes to seek help. Please note that the content contains discussions of physical and sexual violence, and listener discretion is advised. For those in need of assistance, resources are available in the show notes.

Join Bridget as she concludes the first season with a message of hope and solidarity, emphasizing that no one is alone in their struggle. Stay tuned for season two, where more stories of strength and survival will continue to inspire and empower.

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