Co-parenting can be one of the most challenging aspects of raising children after divorce or separation. It’s difficult enough to navigate parenting decisions when you share a vision, but what happens when the other parent doesn’t see eye-to-eye with you?

Divorce undoubtedly leaves a significant impact on children. They are caught in the crossfire of emotions, changes in routines, and the loss of a unified family structure. It’s natural for parents to want to shield their children from these difficulties, to smooth the path ahead of them like a lawn mower parent. But as tempting as it may be to protect them from every hardship, it’s crucial to remember that life’s challenges are also opportunities for growth and resilience.

Change is inevitable, and it inevitably creates stress. But that’s not necessarily bad. Whether change is negative (like losing a job) or positive (like graduating from college or getting married), it requires a readjustment of the way we navigate our daily lives. And that creates opportunities for growth as well as challenges to overcome.

I was in a mediation session with a divorcing couple recently, and they were discussing something that was outside of my area of expertise. I started out with “I have a friend who…” The wife interrupted me and said light-heartedly “you have a LOT of friends!”

I do!

I had already referred them to another colleague or 2 to help them through other specific issues, and it was about to happen again.

While everyone hopes for a collaborative and peaceful co-parenting experience, I understand that is not always the case. Navigating co-parenting is challenging in any situation, but it becomes particularly complex when dealing with a narcissistic ex. I often hear concerns about how this dynamic might affect your children from many clients. So how do you navigate co-parenting and protect your children in this type of setting?

The moment you tell someone you are planning to get divorced, you are likely to hear “time to lawyer up!” But is there a better way? Is it possible to get a divorce in Minnesota without a long and expensive court process? YES!

One of the most common fears I encounter among parents considering or going through a divorce is the worry that they will irreparably harm their children. It's a valid concern; after all, divorce signifies a significant change in a child's life, and with change often comes anxiety and uncertainty. But can you get divorced without messing up your kids?