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In this episode, we answer a question posed by a mother who is concerned the child is moving to overnights with the father too quickly. The court has approved unsupervised day visits, and now he's asking for overnights. This mother is nervous, not just about the living situation but also about past behaviors. We talk about what truly constitutes a "stable enough" environment for a child's overnight visits, going beyond who's on the lease. Are class differences unfairly influencing perceptions? How can parents ensure their child feels safe and has their own space, even in unconventional settings? Join us for an honest discussion about navigating court orders, parental anxieties, and the child's perspective in complex family dynamics.

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Are you tired of the constant battles and high "transaction costs" in your co-parenting relationship? This episode dives deep into how cooperation, trust, and empathy can transform your coparenting interactions, making life easier for you and significantly benefiting your child.

We'll break down these important elements in the order they build on each other:

• Cooperation: Learn where to start with small, low-investment acts that can chip away at the "us vs. them" mentality. Discover how even minor adjustments, like meeting 30 minutes later or bringing a snack, can be perceived as major issues, and how taking the initiative can lead to a more reciprocal dynamic. We'll explore why a lack of cooperation is a "tax" that makes your life harder and how it negatively impacts your child.
• Trust: Understand how consistent cooperation can pave the way for greater trust. We'll discuss why creating an environment where your coparent feels safe to admit mistakes is so important, and how responding with grace, rather than judgment, can lead to more openness and a healthier relationship. Discover why rebuilding trust takes time and consistent effort, especially after a violation, and the hidden "administrative layer" it often requires.
• Empathy: See how a foundation of cooperation and trust makes empathy a natural next step. We'll explore how empathy can prevent small problems from escalating, incentivize honesty, and model positive pro-social behavior for your children.

Improving your coparenting relationship is not just about thinking differently, but doing things differently. We'll discuss why investing in cooperation, even when it feels like you're losing initially, is an investment in your own peace of mind, your coparenting relationship, and most importantly, your child's well-being and happiness.

You'll learn:

• Practical strategies to initiate cooperation without fear of disappointment.
• How to respond to coparent mistakes in a way that builds trust, not resentment.
• The long-term benefits of embodying empathy in your coparenting interactions.
• Why "borrowing trouble" from past experiences can hinder progress.
• How your children are keenly aware of parental cooperation (or lack thereof) and its impact on them.

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Making coparenting decisions can feel like a minefield, especially when you need to find common ground. In this video, we discuss practical strategies for successful coparenting. We'll show you how to build mutual respect, truly understand your coparent's perspective, and always put your child's well-being first.

You'll learn to spot your deal breakers, grasp the real cost of conflict, and create an environment where your child can truly thrive. We're sharing practical advice on how to approach those tough conversations, avoid unnecessary conflict, and find solutions that work for everyone.

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Reconciliation therapy offers a path parents and estranged children to reconnect, but it's not without significant risks. Many parents assume there's nothing to lose, but an unprepared approach can actually worsen the situation, causing more pain for both parent and child, and potentially ending any chance of future reconciliation.

In this candid discussion, we dive deep into the often-overlooked dangers of entering reconciliation counseling without proper preparation. We discuss why it's important for estranged parents to be financially ready, emotionally stable, and to have addressed underlying issues like anger management, domestic violence, coercive control, and substance abuse.

Learn why genuine self-reflection and a willingness to be vulnerable are essential for success. We also highlight the critical role of attorneys in guiding clients through this complex process, ensuring they are truly ready to engage constructively and, most importantly, safely for the child.

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What is child support really for? When a parent pays a set amount each month, does that cover every single expense for the children, including seasonal necessities like snow boots? We break down a viral Reddit post from a mom questioning the purpose of the $200 per child she receives monthly. Her ex-husband claims his child support payments cover his half of new snow boots, even telling the kids he's already paid for them.

Join us as we discuss the fundamental legal and ethical obligations of both parents when it comes to financially supporting their children. We'll explore:

- The primary purpose of child support (Hint: It's for necessities like housing, food, and utilities).

- Whether the paying parent has a right to control how the money is spent.

- The damaging effects of discussing child support payments with your children.

- How custody arrangements, like 50/50 splits, factor into the equation.

Whether you're paying or receiving child support, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.

Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information and discussions about legal topics. It is not a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.

Chapters:
00:00:00 A Reddit Dilemma: "What is Child Support For?"
00:01:13 The Damaging Mistake Parents Make With Child Support
00:02:21 The Legal Obligation of Both Parents
00:04:42 Prioritizing Needs: Rent and Food Before Clothing
00:05:49 "It's None of Your Business How the Money is Spent"

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Having tough conversations with your coparent can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions run high or past conflict clouds your judgment. In this video a family law attorney and a therapist talk about practical, compassionate strategies to help coparents with difficult discussions.

Whether you're deciding on daycare, addressing new romantic partners, or managing your child's education, this video will help you:

- Recognize your own mixed emotions

- Prepare for conflict without defensiveness

- Break conversations into manageable steps

- Stay grounded when the other parent is dismissive

- Seek understanding instead of just solutions

This isn’t about “winning” the argument—it’s about improving communication, even in high-conflict situations.

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Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JZg4RHaNxd4

There’s a widely misunderstood belief that children can choose which coparent to live with once they turn 12. But the reality is far more complex—and emotionally loaded—for both kids and parents.

In this video we unpack the legal truth, emotional toll, and long-term consequences of involving children in custody decisions. You'll hear why children often say what they think adults want to hear, how parents sometimes weaponize a child's "preference," and how fragile adult self-esteem can result in heartbreaking consequences for the whole family.

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Mindfulness is a powerful tool for navigating high-conflict coparenting dynamics. In this episode, we talk with Karen Kranbuehl — a licensed clinical social worker and attorney — about how mindfulness can help coparents move from automatic, stress-driven reactions to more intentional and productive communication.

Learn how slowing down, being curious, and embracing non-judgmental awareness can unlock better outcomes for both you and your children.

Topics covered include:

• What mindfulness really means
• The science behind automatic stress responses
• Real-life examples of mindful coparenting
• Why noticing is the first step toward change
• How small self-care actions build trust in yourself

This episode is especially helpful for coparents dealing with emotionally charged situations, conflict resolution, or court-ordered communication platforms like parenting apps.

The list of values Karen referenced can be found here: https://www.actmindfully.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Values_Checklist_-_Russ_Harris.pdf

Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at ron@coparentacademy.com

To see our courses, visit https://coparentacademy.com