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Season 2 Episode 13: Breaking the Cycle: Navigating Divorce as Co-Parents
What happens when marriages end but parenthood continues? This deep dive into co-parenting after divorce reveals powerful insights about creating stability for children during family transitions.
The research is clear: divorce itself doesn't determine children's outcomes—how parents navigate the aftermath does. We explore three distinct co-parenting styles, from destructive conflict to parallel parenting to the gold standard of collaborative co-parenting. Each approach creates different experiences for children, with lasting implications for their emotional, academic, and psychological development.
Children are remarkably perceptive, sensing tension and conflict even when parents believe they're successfully hiding it. We discuss how kids get caught in the middle when parents use them as messengers or put them in loyalty binds. The alternative—a collaborative approach where parents prioritize their children's needs above personal differences—creates security that helps children thrive despite family changes.
Practical challenges abound in post-divorce parenting: communication breakdowns, inconsistent household rules, scheduling logistics, and the introduction of new partners. We offer concrete strategies for addressing these issues, from keeping communications business-like to gradually integrating stepparents. Throughout, we emphasize that effective co-parenting doesn't require being best friends with your ex—just maintaining mutual respect and focus on your shared children.
The journey may begin with difficulty, but families typically find their rhythm within a year. Your intentional efforts to shield children from adult conflicts while maintaining family connections will be recognized and appreciated when they reach adulthood with clearer perspective. Listen for actionable insights to transform your co-parenting relationship from conflicted to collaborative.
Dr. Jenna and Dr. Nari are the Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists behind the Coupled Podcast. They both have private practices where they work with individuals, couples, and families in Florida. The two are ready to shake up the world of couples therapy and want to extend resources beyond the couples they see in their private practices.
If you like this episode and want to know more about taking the next step to improve your communication, connection, and intimacy, head over to our websites to learn more about our Staying Coupled and Getting Coupled courses. These online courses give you the flexibility to improve your relationship from the comfort and convenience of your home. The Staying Coupled course is for couples who want to do the work to connect, communicate, and have the healthiest relationship possible. The Getting Coupled course is for premarital couples wanting to learn the essentials for a successful marriage. Topics in both courses include the main issues couples face:
For more information, visit drjennascott.com/courses or drnarijeter.com/courses
Disclaimer: This podcast is not a substitute for therapy. If you’re struggling, we encourage you to seek support from a licensed therapist in your state. Our relationship suggestions and content may not be applicable or advised for relationships with intimate partner violence (IPV).
