Low-Conflict Co-Parenting

Low-Conflict Co-Parenting

By Sandy & Andrew MiltonSociety & CultureRelationshipsParentingKids & Family
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Low-Conflict Co-Parenting episodes

  • Episode 8--I Statements (not You Statements)

    I Statements vs. You Statements: Communicating Without Escalating Conflict

     

    How we communicate about a problem can either open the door to resolving it or escalate conflict. In this episode of the Low Conflict Co-Parenting Podcast, we explore how I statements can help co-parents express frustration, address problems, and request changes without triggering unnecessary defensiveness. In this episode, we discuss:

    • I statements vs. you statements: Learn how to replace blame, judgment, and accusations with respectful communication that encourages cooperation.
    • A practical formula for I statements: Describe the other person's specific behavior, explain how it affects you, and share your feelings and concerns without attacking their character.
    • Focus on what can change: Keep conversations centered on specific, achievable co-parenting problems and what will best support your children—not old marital conflicts or past grievances.
    • What to do when the other parent gets defensive: Learn about the broken record technique and how calmly repeating a clear request can help keep communication focused and productive.

      • You can't control how your co-parent responds, but you can take responsibility for how you communicate. The goal is to address problems in ways that support a healthier co-parenting relationship and help your children feel secure and supported.

      Learn more and get support: Visit Co-Parenting Support for practical tools and guidance to help you navigate co-parenting with less conflict. You can also reach out through the website for a free conversation about your situation.

      16 min
    • Episode 7--Provocative Communications

      How do you respond when your co-parent sends a provocative text? In this episode, Andrew and Sandy discuss practical ways to manage your emotions, communicate thoughtfully, and keep the focus on what matters most: your children.

       

      • Separate feelings from communication. Not every emotion needs to be expressed to your co-parent—or your children.
      • Pause before responding. Give yourself time to cool down, set boundaries around when you respond, and avoid reacting in the heat of the moment.
      • Respond selectively and constructively. Address the practical parenting issues that need attention without taking the bait or escalating conflict.
      • Keep your children's well-being at the center. Consider the long-term impact of your words, look for opportunities to set a positive tone, and address persistent communication problems thoughtfully.

        • The goal isn't perfect communication with your co-parent. It's reducing the conflict your children have to live with. Learn more and find practical co-parenting support: Website: https://www.co-parentingsupport.org/ Email: [email protected]

        17 min
      • Special Holiday Episode

        The holidays can be one of the most stressful times of the year for co-parents. Expectations, disrupted traditions, and divided time with your children can make an already difficult season even harder. Andrew and Sandy discuss practical ways to reduce conflict, manage expectations, and help your children enjoy the holidays with both parents.

        In this episode:

        • Let go of the pressure to create the “perfect” holiday and manage expectations.
        • Plan holiday schedules early and keep co-parenting communication focused on the children.
        • Create new traditions while allowing your children to enjoy traditions at both homes.
        • Help your children navigate holiday disappointments without making them responsible for your emotions.

          • For practical tools and free training to help you co-parent with less conflict, visit Co-Parenting Support. Questions or comments? Email [email protected].

          23 min
        • Episode 6--Mindfulness

          An upsetting text from your co-parent can trigger strong emotions and lead to a response you later regret. In this episode, Andrew and Sandy explore how mindfulness can help you recognize emotional triggers, calm your body's stress response, and respond thoughtfully rather than react automatically.

          Learn practical techniques, including mindful breathing and a simple three-question exercise, to help you navigate difficult co-parenting communication with greater calm and clarity.

          Recognize your emotional and physical reactions to upsetting texts from your co-parent.

          Understand emotional flooding and why stress can make it harder to think clearly. Learn a simple three-question technique to observe your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations without judgment.

          Practice mindful breathing, grounding, and other techniques to help you respond rather than react.

          Discover how a short pause can help you approach difficult co-parenting conversations with greater calm and clarity.

          22 min
        • Episode 5--Active Listening

          Listen first. You don't always have to solve the problem.

          Active listening is one of the most important skills for effective co-parenting. In this episode, Andrew and Sandy introduce the four components of active listening and demonstrate how the skill can help children feel heard and understood. They also explore how active listening can help parents stay focused on what their child is really experiencing instead of jumping to solutions, asking questions, or reacting to the other parent.

          In this episode:

          • What active listening is and why it matters
          • The four components: passive listening, parroting, paraphrasing, and reflective listening
          • Why meeting someone where they are matters How active listening helps children feel heard
          • A real-life co-parenting example
          • Why parents need to manage their own emotional reactions

            • Visit our website to learn more.  And watch our free training. Questions? Email us at [email protected]. And if you know a parent navigating divorce or co-parenting, share this episode with them.

            17 min
          • Episode 4--The Tunnel of Chaos

            Divorce can create a period of confusion, stress, uncertainty, and rapid change—a “tunnel of chaos.”

            In this episode, Andrew and Sandy talk about why this experience can be a normal part of major life transitions and how parents can intentionally navigate it. They discuss self-care, mindfulness, slowing down, building support, and creating stability for children even when life feels chaotic.

            In this episode:

            • What the “tunnel of chaos” means
            • Why chaos can be part of major life transitions
            • The emotional ups and downs of creating a new normal
            • Managing pressure around limited time with your children
            • The importance of self-care and support
            • Using mindfulness and slowing down to regain perspective
            • Providing calm, consistency, and stability for your children

              • You may not be able to avoid the chaos, but you can learn to navigate it—and help your children feel safe and stable while you do.

              Visit our website to learn more.  And watch our free training. Questions? Email us at [email protected]. And if you know a parent navigating divorce or co-parenting, share this episode with them.

              18 min
            • Episode 3--Grief: The Losses That Come With Divorce

              Divorce involves many kinds of loss—for parents, children, and the family as a whole.

              In this episode, Andrew and Sandy talk about grief during and after divorce, why it isn't linear, and how it can resurface over time.

              In this episode:

              • Why grief is a normal part of divorce
              • The many losses that can accompany divorce
              • How children may experience and express grief
              • Making it safe for children to ask questions
              • Being honest about your own feelings without making children responsible for them
              • Helping children maintain healthy relationships with both parents
              • Using active listening when children express difficult feelings

                • Bottom line... Grieving is normal and natural. You can acknowledge the loss without becoming stuck in it.

                Visit our website to learn more.  And watch our free training. Questions? Email us at [email protected]. And if you know a parent navigating divorce or co-parenting, share this episode with them.

                27 min
              • Episode 2--Where This All Began

                Where did the idea for Co-Parenting Support begin?

                In this episode, we share the story behind our book, our program, our work in counseling and mediation, the experiences that inspired it all, and why we believe parents need more than a list of things not to do after divorce.

                Drawing on our professional and lived experience, we discuss the importance of understanding the emotional challenges of co-parenting and giving parents practical tools and skills to help their children thrive.

                In this episode:

                • The story behind it all
                • What was missing from traditional parenting education
                • The lessons we've learned along the way
                • How knowledge, tools, and practice can help parents and children

                  • Visit our website to learn more.  And watch our free training. Questions? Email us at [email protected]. And if you know a parent navigating divorce or co-parenting, share this episode with them.

                  16 min
                • Episode 1--Why Co-Parenting Matters

                  Divorce changes a family, but it doesn't have to define a child's future.

                  In this episode, we explore what co-parenting really means, why it matters, and how parents can reduce the impact of separation on their children. You'll learn why successful co-parenting isn't about getting along with your former spouse. It's about putting your children's emotional well-being first, protecting them from conflict, and becoming effective parents—even when your relationship is difficult.

                  In this episode:

                  • What co-parenting really means
                  • What children need from both parents
                  • How parental conflict affects children
                  • Why effective parenting matters more than being friends with your ex

                    • Visit our website to learn more.  And watch our free training. Questions? Email us at [email protected]. And if you know a parent navigating divorce or co-parenting, share this episode with them.

                    17 min

                  About Low-Conflict Co-Parenting

                  From the publisher's feed

                  We help you parent well during and after divorce by reducing the impact of separation, so you can raise emotionally healthy, resilient kids.