In Co-Parenting Facilitation, there are people I refer to as UTR—Under the Radar. That’s because the things they do to knock their co-parent off track are troubling and not nice, but not significant enough (or provable) for a court to take action. That doesn’t mean they aren’t wrong and aggravating! These little passive aggressive behaviors […] The post Under The Radar—But I See You!! appeared first on Co-Parenting Solutions, LLC ..read more

In my line of work, you can never have enough training. At least, that’s my perspective, and it’s why I’ve earned certifications as a Licensed Master’s Social Worker, earned a Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Leadership, and became trained as a Collaborative Divorce Mental Health Professional and Parenting Coordinator.  I am also a Certified Mediator. […] The post Adding New Skills to the Co-Parenting Toolbox appeared first on Co-Parenting Solutions, LLC ..read more

People are fond of invoking the n-word in Co-Parenting counseling sessions. The n-word I’m talking about is narcissist, and it’s usually an accusation lobbed at one’s difficult or high-conflict ex. And while there are definitely situations where a former spouse may well be narcissistic, I am not in the business of making diagnoses. Which is what […] The post What to Do about a Narcissistic Ex appeared first on Co-Parenting Solutions, LLC ..read more

When somebody comes in to see me and they’re thinking about getting divorced, my first question is, “Have you done serious marriage counseling?” Because I don’t advise getting a divorce unless you’ve tried everything, especially if you have kids. It’s interesting how some people call single parent homes “broken homes” when truly, a home that […] The post My Philosophy on Divorce appeared first on Co-Parenting Solutions, LLC ..read more

It can be confusing for parents to understand the difference between Co-Parenting Facilitation (also referred to as Co-Parenting Counseling) and Parenting Coordination. And, rightfully so, time after time, parents are nervous about what they can expect when they agree to these interventions. I provide both types of services and can help shed some light! To […] The post Co-Parenting Facilitation vs. Parenting Coordination: What is the Right Path for your Family?  appeared first on Co-Parenting Solutions, LLC ..read more

Parenting Coordination is becoming a lot more common as the Michigan courts are utilizing Parenting Coordinators (also referred to as Parenting Time Coordinators) more and more. So, if you’re assigned one, what exactly does a Parenting Coordinator do and what is the difference between that and Co-Parenting Facilitation/Counseling? A Parenting Coordinator is a person appointed by the court for a specified amount of time to help implement the court’s Parenting Time orders in a divorce case and help resolve parenting disputes. Sounds easy?  Photo by Patricia Prudente on Unspla ..read more

Every day in my office, I guide divorced parents through co-parenting and conflict. Every day, I try to help them work together for the benefit of their kids. And there is no part of parenting more important for this than managing kids’ phones. Photo by Tim Gouw on Unsplash You might think I’m being extreme, but kids from divorced families get pulled into smartphone use at an earlier age, which does more damage. If you don’t believe me, read this article from The Atlantic about the connection between smartphone use in childhood and mental health effects. The reason kid ..read more

When a divorced parent decides to remarry, what is the best way to teach their children to address the new step-parent? If the children’s other parent is still living and involved in their lives, then the safest and most respectful approach is to teach your children to call the step-parent by their first name. I deal with this sometimes, when a parent is hurt by their ex instructing their children to call a step-parent Mom or Dad – as if to erase their biological mother or father. And it’s understandable why they would feel this way! When asked, “Why are you allowing our kid to call the other ..read more

Now is as good a time as any to discuss how parents can protect their children from the harshness of the world.   Photo by Vitolda Klein on Unsplash When there is crisis in the world, it is a parent’s job to shield their children from learning the horrors and atrocities that happen. Of course, keeping in mind age-appropriateness, we might start by putting limits on online time or using tools to keep children from venturing into uncharted Internet territory.  There is a lot of war and strife going on right now. It’s remarkable how, even in the face of such turmoil ..read more

I’ve lost count of how many clients have claimed, “I don’t lie to my kids,” as rationale for sharing completely inappropriate information about their ex. It’s never ok to say negative things about the other parent to a child, but this assertion, this moral high ground, gets used as a shield of protection. Photo by Jelleke Vanooteghem on Unsplash The context usually goes something like this: “So when they ask, ‘Did Mom or Dad have an affair?’, I’m going to tell the truth because I don’t lie to my kids.” Um, yeah, right. I react to this statement as if I’ve been punched in the gut ..read more