What happens when a marriage is no longer working, but the couple wants to stay together for the kids? Is there a way that they can continue to co-parent together, pursue romantic relationships outside of their marriage, but also avoid getting a divorce until their kids are grown?

According to therapist and author Susan Pease Gadoua the answer is “Yes.”

Through her work with couples, Susan developed the revolutionary concept of a "parenting marriage" - a compassionate alternative that allows parents to prioritize their children's well-being while redefining their relationship. This innovative type of relationship enables couples to live separately under one roof and maintain their family’s stability while also pursuing their own individual happiness.

While a parenting marriage is not appropriate for every couple, it provides a workable alternative to the traditional "stay together or divorce" dilemma. A parenting marriage can also provide a "soft landing" into divorce or a long-term solution for couples committed to raising their children together. 

This podcast episode challenges the conventional notions of marriage and family. Susan’s insights invite us to reconsider what family can look like in the modern world, and how we can truly put children's needs at the forefront of relationship decisions.

About Susan
Susan Pease Gadoua is a therapist in the SF Bay Area and the founder of the Parenting Marriage concept. She works with couples "on the brink" and runs several women's divorce support groups. 

As a child of divorced parents, Susan knows first-hand how disruptive an unhappy marriage and subsequent marital dissolution can be.  Susan's personal experience, combined with years of working with couples in distress – both in striving to save their marriage or transition out of it – led her to become passionate about offering support to people at perhaps one of the most crucial junctures in their lives. 

Susan founded The Changing Marriage Institute and coined the term, “Parenting Marriage” which is now a concept that is known throughout the world.

Connect with Susan
You can connect with Susan on LinkedIn at Susan Pease Gadoua and on Facebook at Parenting Marriage and follow Susan on Instagram at Changing Marriage.  For more information about Susan’s work visit Parenting Marriage.  The best way to get in touch with Susan is through email at [email protected].

Karen Covy is a Divorce Coach and Consultant, Lawyer, Author, and Speaker who is dedicated to helping people make the best decisions possible for themselves, their families, and their future - especially in stressful times. You can check out Karen's videos on YouTube.

You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on her own website at karencovy.com.