In this episode of Coparenting Beyond Conflict, Dr. Amy J.L. Baker, a developmental psychologist and expert in parental alienation, discusses the complexities of co-parenting and its psychological impacts on children. She explains the behaviors that contribute to alienation, how to identify them, and the importance of maintaining healthy communication between co-parents. 

Dr. Baker also provides insights into recognizing early warning signs of alienation, distinguishing it from legitimate rejection, and offers practical strategies for navigating high-conflict co-parenting situations. The conversation emphasizes the need for resilience and hope for targeted parents, highlighting that relationships can shift and improve over time.

You can learn more about Dr. Baker’s books, research, and talks at AmyJLBaker.com

BestInterest coparenting app: https://bestinterest.app/

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axK_1kKjOZ0

Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/

Books by Amy JL Baker: 

• Adult Children of Parental Alienation Syndrome: Breaking the Ties That Bind
• Co-parenting with a Toxic Ex: What to Do When Your Ex-Spouse Tries to Turn the Kids Against You

Keywords
parental alienation, co-parenting, child psychology, family dynamics, psychological maltreatment, parenting strategies, child development, family conflict, emotional well-being, resilience

Key Takeaways

• Parental alienation involves one parent fostering a child's unjustified rejection of the other parent.
• Not all children who reject a parent are alienated; some may be estranged due to legitimate reasons.
• There are 17 primary parental alienation behaviors that parents should be aware of.
• It's crucial for parents to reflect on their own behaviors to avoid inadvertently alienating their children.
• Distinguishing between alienation and legitimate rejection requires ruling out abuse or neglect
• High-conflict co-parents should always show up for their parenting time, regardless of the situation.
• When children express negative comments about a parent, responding with care and openness is important.
• Maintaining hope and connection with children is vital for targeted parents, even in difficult circumstances.

Sound Bites
"You do have to rule out abuse or neglect."
"Always, always, always show up."

Chapters
02:03 Understanding Parental Alienation
03:38 Identifying Alienating Behaviors
06:31 Recognizing Warning Signs in Children
07:18 Distinguishing Alienation from Legitimate Rejection
10:38 The Impact on Extended Family
12:16 Practical Tips for High-Conflict Co-Parenting
14:40 Navigating Child Behavior During Transitions
16:56 Responding to Negative Comments About Co-Parents
18:56 Navigating Child Relationships and Self-Awareness
20:27 The Role of Perspective in Parenting
21:35 Addressing Co-Parenting Challenges
23:13 Managing Disrespectful Behavior from Children
26:30 Understanding Parental Alienation
30:24 Mes

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, Heather Tannenbaum shares her journey from experiencing divorce to becoming a divorce coach. She discusses the importance of co-parenting coaches, the dynamics of building a co-parenting team, and how to use divorce as an opportunity for personal growth. Heather emphasizes the significance of putting children first, navigating toxic relationships, and the ongoing nature of co-parenting. She provides insights on creating effective parenting plans, communication strategies, and the importance of self-care for co-parents.

Learn more about Heather Tannenbaum’s book and coaching practice: https://reconstructinghappy.com/

Read Heather’s article on the Best Interest Blog, “How to Avoid Divorce Court and Build a Brighter Future”: https://bestinterest.app/avoid-divorce-court-and-build-a-brighter-future/

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/HZHQr74O_1Q

Keywords
divorce, co-parenting, divorce coaching, parenting plans, self-care, communication, family law, personal growth, toxic relationships, parenting strategies

Key Takeaways

• Divorce can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.
• Co-parenting coaches provide valuable support and perspective.
• It's essential to put children's needs first in co-parenting.
• Compartmentalizing divorce issues from parenting is crucial.
• Creating a detailed parenting plan helps avoid future disputes.
• Communication parameters can improve co-parenting dynamics.
• Self-care is vital for co-parents to maintain well-being.
• Conflict, not divorce, is what negatively impacts children.
• Building a supportive co-parenting team can ease the process.
• Finding joy and fulfillment outside of parenting is important.

Sound Bites

"What are my next steps here?"
"Maximize the quality of that time."
"You can control your part."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Co-Parenting Coaching
02:11 The Journey to Becoming a Divorce Coach
02:39 The Role of Co-Parenting Coaches
03:52 Building a Co-Parenting Team
05:18 Using Divorce as a Growth Opportunity
07:10 Navigating Toxic Co-Parenting Relationships
08:39 The Importance of Prioritizing Children
09:53 Understanding the Long-Term Nature of Co-Parenting
11:27 Common Mistakes in Parenting Plans
13:31 Effective Communication Strategies
15:32 Self-Care for Co-Parents
17:39 Final Thoughts on Divorce and Co-Parenting
24:54 Wrap Up
24:57 Disclaimer

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, family attorney Ron Gore discusses the complexities of co-parenting and mediation, sharing insights from his experience in family law. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of a guardian ad litem, addressing misconceptions about co-parenting, and recognizing the power dynamics that can arise in high-conflict situations.

Ron offers practical advice for parents navigating these challenges, including the significance of communication, the potential benefits of technology, and the necessity of proper documentation in legal agreements. He also highlights the impact of co-parenting dynamics on children and provides strategies for parents to cope with stress and improve their relationships with their co-parents.

Ron Gore's Coparent Academy can be found at: https://coparentacademy.com/

BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/

Watch This Episode
https://youtu.be/TdUsll79dwk

Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/

Keywords
co-parenting, mediation, family law, guardian ad litem, high conflict, parallel parenting, technology in co-parenting, parenting plans, communication, legal advice

Key Takeaways

• Co-parenting requires ongoing communication and adjustment.
• Understanding the role of a guardian ad litem is crucial.
• Children are individuals with their own needs and preferences.
• High conflict situations often require self-reflection and change.
• Parallel parenting can be a last resort in high conflict cases.
• Children's responses to co-parenting stress vary by age and gender.
• Professional support is essential for emotional well-being.
• Documentation of agreements is vital for legal protection.
• Parenting plans should be tailored to the child's needs and family dynamics.
• Focus on behaviors rather than labels when dealing with co-parents.

Sound Bites

"I think I started off a little mercenarily."
"A GAL is a guardian ad litem."
"Don't handle it on your own."

Chapters

00:00 Ron Gore's Journey into Family Law
02:41 Misconceptions in Co-Parenting
02:46 Top Advice for New Co-Parents
24:05 Understanding Co-Parenting Dynamics
26:08 Creating Effective Parenting Plans
28:55 Common Conflicts in Parenting Plans
31:09 The Importance of Communication in Co-Parenting
34:15 Outro

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 heartfelt episode of Co-Parenting Beyond Conflict, Sol takes you behind the scenes to share the personal story that inspired this podcast and the creation of the BestInterest app. From stepping away from a successful tech career to become a full-time dad, to navigating the challenges of divorce and high-conflict co-parenting, Sol opens up about his journey of growth and transformation.

Ready for more peace? Download the BestInterest Coparenting App at: https://bestinterest.app (use code BEYOND 10 for 10% off)

Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vyoETkjNpFg

Learn how Sol’s experiences as a father and co-parent fueled his passion to help others facing similar struggles, and discover the unique features of the BestInterest app that make it a game-changer for co-parents. This episode explores the power of post-traumatic growth, setting boundaries, and finding peace in the midst of co-parenting challenges—all while keeping the focus on what matters most: your kids.

Join Sol as he discusses the purpose of the podcast, the importance of learning and evolving through adversity, and his vision for creating healthier co-parenting relationships. If you’re navigating the ups and downs of co-parenting or simply looking for inspiration and support, this episode is for you.

Subscribe now and take the first step toward making co-parenting more peaceful, present, and child-focused.

Key Takeaways

• Sol's journey into co-parenting began with the birth of his daughter.
• Divorce can be both a challenge and an opportunity for personal growth.
• Co-parenting requires effective communication and emotional resilience.
• The Best Interest app was created to help co-parents navigate difficult dynamics.
• Personal growth is essential for improving co-parenting relationships.
• The app filters out negative communication to focus on child-centered messages.
• Setting boundaries in communication is crucial for co-parents.
• Expert guidance was sought to develop the Best Interest app.
• Self-discovery and empowerment are key themes in co-parenting.
• The mission is to bring peace and understanding to co-parenting dynamics.

Sound Bites

"Divorce is one of life’s greatest challenges, but it can also be an opportunity for profound growth."

"The best thing for your kids is your presence, not your defense in a conflict with your co-parent."

"Healing starts when we shift the focus from blame to growth and reclaim our peace."

"The BestInterest app was created to help co-parents communicate better, so they can focus on what truly matters—their kids."

"Co-parenting isn’t about diagnosing your co-parent; it’s about showing up better for yourself and your children."

"Boundaries aren’t walls—they’re acts of love for yourself and your kids."

"When we change ourselves, we naturally transform all the relationships in our lives."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Co-Parenting Beyond Conflict
00:24 Sol's Co-Parenting Journey
00:57 The Challenges of Divorce and Growth
01:50 Navigating Co-Parenting Difficulties
04:07 The Birth of the Best Interest App
05:22 The Mission of the Best Interest App
05:50 Understandin

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. Ramani discusses the complexities of co-parenting, especially in the context of dealing with narcissistic partners. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the impact of parental relationships on children, the challenges of seeking closure, and the benefits of parallel parenting. The discussion also highlights the emotional challenges faced by co-parents, including grief and disappointment, and the role of technology in facilitating healthier interactions. Dr. Ramani advocates for seeking professional help to navigate these challenges and underscores the need for patience and understanding in the co-parenting journey.

Dr Ramani: https://doctor-ramani.com/
Get her book: It's Not You
Also referenced: Judith Herman, BestInterest Coparenting App

Watch This Episode:
https://youtu.be/DskD5RGRKKk

Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/

Keywords
co-parenting, narcissism, parallel parenting, child well-being, closure, boundaries, family dynamics, divorce, parenting strategies, emotional health, co-parenting, self-care, support groups, communication, technology, mental health, family dynamics, divorce, emotional well-being, community support

Takeaways

• Co-parenting requires understanding the unique challenges posed by narcissistic partners.
• Closure may never be achieved in co-parenting situations, and acceptance is key.
• Parallel parenting allows for separate parenting styles without direct conflict.
• Children often adapt to different dynamics in each parent's home, which can be challenging.
• Consistency in routines helps children feel secure during transitions.
• Dysregulation in children can occur during exchanges between parents.
• Setting boundaries with antagonistic co-parents is often ineffective; focus on documentation instead.
• Inner boundaries are crucial for maintaining personal well-being.
• Children's resilience can sometimes lead to trauma bonds that affect their future relationships.
• Realistic expectations are essential for navigating co-parenting dynamics. Self-care is essential but often misunderstood.
• Support groups can provide valuable connections.
• Utilize downtime for personal growth and activities.
• Be cautious with social media during co-parenting.
• Recognize the patterns in relationships to avoid repeating them.
• Family dynamics can complicate co-parenting situations.
• Effective communication is crucial in co-parenting.
• Technology can help streamline communication with ex-partners.
• Therapy can provide validation and support during tough times.
• Grief and disappointment are common in co-parenting journeys.

Sound Bites

• "Consistency is key for children's stability."
• "Focus on the well-being of your children."
• "Self-care is such a loaded word."
• "Use your downtime well."
• "Be careful as all get out on social media."
• "You ain't going to change them."

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

Are you exhausted by the high-conflict co-parenting tearing your family apart? Join us on Coparenting Beyond Conflict, where we dismantle the barriers and build bridges for parents navigating toxic communication and difficult coparents.

Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and stay in touch with our community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/

This podcast is sponsored by BestInterest Co Parenting App - the first co parenting app that filters out toxic messaging so you can remain child-focused. Learn more today!

In this podcast, you'll discover:

- Practical strategies for dealing with narcissistic co-parents and minimizing the impact of co-parenting after divorce.

- Expert insights on fostering peaceful co-parenting, managing co-parenting anxiety, and protecting your mental health during challenging situations.

- Real-life stories of co-parents who overcame communication problems and found peace.

- Innovative tools like AI-powered communication apps to streamline your co-parenting experience.

Plus, you’ll learn about innovative solutions that are truly effective:

- Co Parenting communication apps for court-admissibility and high-conflict situations, filtering toxic messages, and maintaining a child-focused approach (sponsored by BestInterest: www.bestinterest.app).

- AI-powered communication tools like BestInterest, designed to streamline coparenting and improve communication.

Whether you're struggling with custody battles, dealing with emotional manipulation, protecting your child from coparenting conflict, or simply looking for ways to improve your coparenting relationship, this podcast is your go-to resource.

SUBSCRIBE NOW and learn how to coparent peacefully, even in the most challenging circumstances. This podcast is for parents seeking co parenting communication during conflict, healthy co parenting for children's sake, and a way to avoid getting into arguments with your co parent.

Together, let's build a future where co parents attend their children's weddings without years of animosity.

About the Host: A full-time dad for seven years, Sol has experienced firsthand the joys and challenges of raising children. After navigating the complexities of divorce, power struggles, and custody disputes, Sol discovered AI as a potential solution to co-parenting communication conflicts.

Join Sol on this journey of healing, growth, and effective co-parenting as he shares insights, strategies, and real-life examples of how communication can be improved for the betterment of families.

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