5 Divorce Co-Parenting Questions Your Ki...

By Rosalind Sedacca, CDC Co-parenting brings enormous challenges to both parents. For those not caught in high conflict divorces, it’s easier to move into the co-parenting equation. And much easier to adapt to new schedules, boundaries, agreements and conversations. That’s why the Child-Centered Divorce Network so strongly endorses mediation, Collaborative Divorce, the new Amicable Divorce Network and similar low-conflict options. They keep both parents focused on what really matters long-term: the emotional, physical and psychological well-being of your children! When one gets entangled in the complications of litigation, you are opening the door to court involvement in your family dynamics. This is rarely a healthy situation for parents or children. No judge, regardless of how well-meaning they may be, knows your family the way you do. Their decisions are binding. That may lead you to countless appearances over many years trying to untangle a decision that didn’t need to be

Parenting After Divorce

Co-Parenting with Someone Who is Narcissistic or Challenging

Guest Post from Terry Gaspard At its best, co-parenting is a wonderful opportunity for children of divorce to have close to equal access to both parents – to feel it is okay to love both of their parents. Experts agree that the outcomes for children of divorce improve when they have positive bonds with both parents. These include better psychological and behavioral adjustment, and enhanced academic performance. However, few experts discuss the drawbacks of co-parenting when one parent is hands-off, has a high conflict personality; or a personality disorder such as Narcissistic Personality Disorder. What is the solution for parents who want to co-parent with an ex who is narcissistic or challenging? According to Dr. Edward Kruk, Ph.D., “Parallel Parenting is an arrangement in which divorced parents are able to co-parent by means of disengaging from each other, and having limited contact, in situations where they have demonstrated that they

Guest Experts

Divorced? 4 Valuable Life Lessons You Can Master!

Cooperative coparenting supports children By Rosalind Sedacca, CDC Divorce affects everyone differently. Its impact also lingers with us for different periods of time. But there’s one thing that never changes: the aftermath of divorce can be a sense of self-discovery. Or it can become an internment in a self-made prison of depression and resentment. What influences us the most is how well we accept what is and our determination to use the divorce as a pathway to a new and better life. The good news: it’s all up to us. We can create an attitude of positive expectation. Or we can subjugate ourselves to months and years of self-pity and despair down the road. The bad news: it’s not always easy to change our attitude or perspective on life. But if you do, you’ll be rewarded with a happier future for yourself as well as your

Relationship Advice

6 Tips For Talking To Your Kids After Divorce!

Divorced parent communication with your child is essential. By Rosalind Sedacca, CDC When you’re a divorced parent, effective communication with your children is more important than ever. Which means honing your communication skills so you’re connecting with love, respect and compassion. Candid divorced parent communication opens the doors to a healthier, more positive relationship with your kids. It makes you more sensitive to issues of concern early on so you can nip them in the bud. It encourages your children to talk about what they are feeling. It addresses their questions and situations that are creating conflict for them. How to open the conversation so you’re not shut down! Don’t sit down and say, let’s talk. Find comfortable times and places where conversation can flow naturally and easily. Then bring up related subjects in a casual way. Watching TV or movies at home can often be

Parenting After Divorce

5 Ways To Minimize How Divorce Impacts Your Children

By Rosalind Sedacca, CDC Communication with your children is always important But never as essential as when they are impacted by separation or divorce. Children are vulnerable and easily frightened by changes in their routines. The more you talk to and comfort them, the less stress and anxiety they’ll experience. This is the time to reassure your children that you are taking care of matters. To remind them that everyone in the family will be okay. Then, of course, take responsibility for doing what needs to be done to assure their well-being. Here are five important ways you can minimize the impact of divorce on your children to help them thrive during and after your divorce. 1. Strive for normalcy and routine: It's important to keep as much normalcy in your children’s lives as is feasible. Maintaining relationships with friends and neighbors provides a sense of stability and continuity. Keeping

Child-Centered Divorce

9 Ways Divorcing Parents Can Support Their Kids With Love

Cooperative coparenting supports children By Rosalind Sedacca, CDC As a divorcing parent are you worried about your kids? Most parents share a deep love for their children – along with the desire to protect them from emotional or physical harm. However, when the sanctity of the marriage is disrupted by divorce, things can dramatically change. Divorcing parents don’t always know how to give kids the support they need. Caught up in their own anger and hurt, it’s tempting to lash out, get back at their former partner, and take revenge. Too often, the children are caught in a parental power struggle. Collateral damage when parents vent their frustration or rage. The outcome is painful for everyone in the family! Children crave and need their parent’s support So how can you support your children and parent them effectively throughout this challenging time? And how can you co-parent

Parenting After Divorce

5 Steps To A Healthy Divorce Mindset During A Pandemic!

co-parenting can be challenging during a pandemic By Rosalind Sedacca, CDC Divorce can stop us in our tracks and overwhelm anyone with anxiety, sadness and depression. This is especially true for parents who have the added responsibility of caring for innocent children. Now we are confronted by an additional challenge: coping with divorce during a pandemic health crisis. And it’s up to us to create a positive mindset not only for ourselves, but for our children as well. Here are 5 important keys to keeping a positive perspective during these tough times. Monitor your thoughts and beliefs. Yes, we’re all beyond tired of this pandemic. But coping skills are all we have to keep us safe and sane! What we tell ourselves influences how we feel and how we treat others. Catch yourself if you’re falling into a blame game about how belligerent your former spouse

News

4 “Other Woman” Mistakes Divorcing Moms Must Never Make!

Never fight around your kids regardless of the topic By Rosalind Sedacca, CDC When the “other woman” is in the picture, divorce can be vastly more complicated for divorcing parents. (Of course, it’s the same with the “other man.”) However, the challenges that can come with the "other woman” and infidelity don't change the parenting rules. Of course, you’re coping with tremendous emotional turmoil. And you deserve to be heard, validated and treated with great compassion at this time. But your kids deserve great compassion as well! When you’re a parent it is essential that you don’t make the big “never do” mistakes when talking to your children and dealing with the OW – as tempting as it may be to do otherwise. Here are 4 “never do mistakes” you must avoid to show you love your kids more than you hate the “Other Woman”! Sharing

Child-Centered Divorce

What To Tell Your Spouse Before Talking Divorce With Your Kids!

By Rosalind Sedacca, CDC Ever go on a vacation without making plans in advance? The consequences are usually disastrous. If you fail to plan ahead regarding reservations, canceling mail delivery, caring for your pets and knowing your destination, your vacation is likely to be filled with disappointment, frustration and even heartache. What about preparing your children for your pending divorce? Do you have a plan – or are you going to wing it without any prior thought? For children, divorce is a monumental life experience for which they have no preparation. The very foundation of their security – their love for both parents – is being thrown into turmoil. Everything they knew and accepted as part of routine daily life is going to be affected in one way or another. They don’t know what to expect. They also have little source of comfort other than their parents who are announcing

How Do I Tell the Kids About The Divorce?

7 Divorce Questions Your Kids Will Ask And Want Answered!

Children are affected by divorce By Rosalind Sedacca, CDC All divorcing parents dread having the tough “break the news” talk with their kids. It’s a complex, deeply emotional conversation that can break your heart while testing your parenting stability. Before tackling this challenge, I encourage both parents to read my ebook: How Do I Tell The Kids About The Divorce: A Create-a-Storybook Guide For Preparing Your Children – With Love! It prepares you physically, emotionally and psychologically for what to expect and how to respond. Be aware that the questions don’t end there. During and long after the initial conversation your children will be addressing you with questions. It’s best to talk with your co-parent in advance so you’re both on the same page and prepared with age-appropriate answers. Your responses don’t have to be long or detailed. Your children are looking for comfort, security and

How Do I Tell the Kids About The Divorce?

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5 Divorce Co-Parenting Questions Your Ki...

Co-Parenting with Someone Who is Narciss...

Divorced? 4 Valuable Life Lessons You Ca...

6 Tips For Talking To Your Kids After Di...

5 Ways To Minimize How Divorce Impacts Y...

9 Ways Divorcing Parents Can Support The...

5 Steps To A Healthy Divorce Mindset Dur...

4 “Other Woman” Mistakes Divorcing Moms

What To Tell Your Spouse Before Talking ...

7 Divorce Questions Your Kids Will Ask A...

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