In this conversation, Christina McGhee discusses the complexities of co-parenting, emphasizing the importance of keeping children at the center of the process. She shares insights on navigating high conflict situations, the role of professionals, and practical advice for parents. McGhee highlights the significance of developing guiding principles, understanding children's perspectives, and creating meaningful moments. She also addresses the necessity of self-care, setting boundaries, and the power of one parent to positively influence the co-parenting dynamic. The conversation concludes with encouraging words about hope and resilience in the face of challenges.

Resources Mentioned

• Christina's FREE 30-Page Co-Parenting Resource Guide – Packed with books for kids (by age), recommended reads for parents, tools for managing conflict, podcast suggestions, co-parenting apps, and more. Get the guide at DivorceAndChildren.com
• Christina's Guiding Principles GPT – An interactive tool that helps you clarify your values, create a personal guiding principle, and keep it top-of-mind during co-parenting challenges. https://divorceandchildren.com/northstar/
• Christin'a Book: Parenting Apart – Christina’s practical guide for raising resilient kids after separation or divorce. Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0425232123/
• SPLIT & SPLIT UP: The Teen Years – Documentary films that give a powerful, child’s-eye view of divorce and its long-term impact. https://www.splitfilm.org/

Follow Christina on Instagram and Facebook: @divorceandchildren 

Follow Christina on LinkedIn: @christinamcghee 

Christina's website for professionals –  www.coparentingspecialist.com

Watch this episode: https://youtu.be/bFz169I3lus

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Keywords

co-parenting, divorce, child-centered approach, communication, parenting advice, high conflict, guiding principles, support systems, children's perspectives, meaningful moments

Takeaways

• Keep kids at the center, not in the middle of divorce.
• Parents need to focus on what they can control.
• Develop guiding principles to navigate co-parenting.
• Children often feel responsible for their parents' conflicts.
• Creating meaningful moments is essential for children.
• Self-care is crucial for effective parenting.
• It's okay to not be perfect; own your mistakes.
• Parallel parenting can be a viable approach in high conflict situations.
• A strong support circle can help parents navigate challenges.
• Hope is essential; things can improve over time.

Sound Bites

• "Kids internalize a sense of fairness."
• "It takes one parent to show up."
• "Be that lighthouse for your kids."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Co-Parenting Challenges

02:59 Keeping Kids at the Center

05:29 Navigating High Conflict Situations

07:41 Developing Guiding Principles

10:18 Understanding Children's Perspectives

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