The Moving On Method® Podcast

You Can't Control Everything: The Truth About Co-Parenting


Listen Later

What if the very thing you’re clinging to in co-parenting, the need for control, is what’s keeping you from peace?


In this episode, Michelle Dempsey-Multack unpacks why control in co-parenting is an illusion, how expectations create unnecessary heartache, and what true surrender looks like for divorced parents. Listeners will learn how to shift from frustration to freedom and create a calmer, more resilient environment for their children.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Why co-parents crave control after divorce and how it impacts anxiety

  • The difference between healthy influence and harmful attempts to control

  • How to respond when your ex behaves in ways you can’t change

  • Tools for modeling resilience and stability for your children

  • A practical exercise to release control and focus on what really matters

    Episode Highlights:

    • 00:00 – Why control feels like the only safety net after divorce
    • 02:05 – The truth: you can’t control your ex, your child’s emotions, or transitions
    • 05:15 – How expectations create self-fulfilling frustration
    • 08:40 – What letting go really looks like in day-to-day co-parenting
    • 11:25 – Surrender as freedom: shifting energy into peace, healing, and presence
    • 13:30 – Final reflection: modeling resilience for your children
    • Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned:

      • The “Expectation Audit” Exercise – writing down one thing you can’t control in co-parenting, and one thing you can control.

      • Modeling Resilience Framework – showing kids strength and calm through action rather than reacting to negativity.

        Closing Insight:

        “Your power as a parent doesn’t come from controlling every variable; it comes from modeling grace, resilience, and love.”


        Letting go of control isn’t giving up, it’s reclaiming peace. Take a deep breath, release what isn’t yours to manage, and focus on what truly matters: showing up for your children with stability and love.

        Learn from Michelle how to navigate divorce & co-parenting: https://bit.ly/MDMPodStore

        Get one-on-one coaching from Michelle: http://stan.store/themichelledempsey/p/book-a-11-zoom-with-me-wt46q75a

        Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichelleDempsey

        Website - https://michelledempsey.com/

        Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/michelle645

        TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@themichelledempsey1

        LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mldempsey/


        LINK TO TRANSCRIPT: https://transcripts/moving-on-method-ep263-letting-go-of-control-in-co-parenting

        Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

        ...more
        View all episodesView all episodes
        Download on the App Store

        The Moving On Method® PodcastBy Michelle Dempsey-Multack

        • 4.8
        • 4.8
        • 4.8
        • 4.8
        • 4.8

        4.8

        303 ratings


        More shows like The Moving On Method® Podcast

        View all
        Betrayal Trauma Recovery by Anne Blythe, M.Ed.

        Betrayal Trauma Recovery

        1,420 Listeners

        Flying Free by Natalie Hoffman

        Flying Free

        1,071 Listeners

        Love and Abuse by Paul Colaianni: Relationship and Emotional Abuse Expert

        Love and Abuse

        852 Listeners

        The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast by Kate Anthony, CPCC

        The Divorce Survival Guide Podcast

        566 Listeners

        The Divorce and Beyond® Podcast with Susan Guthrie, Esq. by Susan Guthrie

        The Divorce and Beyond® Podcast with Susan Guthrie, Esq.

        234 Listeners

        The Covert Narcissism Podcast by Renee Swanson, Bleav

        The Covert Narcissism Podcast

        700 Listeners

        How Not To Suck At Divorce: Divorce Advice and Relatable Humor by Morgan Stogsdill and Andrea Rappaport

        How Not To Suck At Divorce: Divorce Advice and Relatable Humor

        272 Listeners

        It’s All Your Fault: High Conflict People by TruStory FM

        It’s All Your Fault: High Conflict People

        101 Listeners

        Jillian on Love by Jillian Turecki | QCODE

        Jillian on Love

        1,403 Listeners

        The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

        The Mel Robbins Podcast

        19,768 Listeners

        Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse by Kerry McAvoy, Ph.D.

        Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse

        286 Listeners

        The Divorce Course Podcast by Laura & Lyn

        The Divorce Course Podcast

        34 Listeners

        Divorce with Sam and Leah by Sam and Leah

        Divorce with Sam and Leah

        44 Listeners

        You Are Not Crazy by Jessica Knight

        You Are Not Crazy

        87 Listeners

        The Stay or Go Podcast for Women Considering Divorce by Britta Jo

        The Stay or Go Podcast for Women Considering Divorce

        165 Listeners