Coparent Academy Podcast
By: Linda VanValkenburg and Ron Gore
Language: en-us
Categories: Kids, Family, Parenting, Education, Self Improvement, Society, Culture
Lifechanging Coparenting
Episodes
#187 - Stop Ruining Christmas for your Children
Dec 15, 2025Let us hear from you!
The weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s are often fraught with peril for coparents. But does conflict have to be inevitable?
In this episode, we strip away the sentimentality to look at the practical side of holiday coparenting. Whether you have a court order or are just winging it, we discuss how to manage expectations, communicate in advance, and prevent your children from becoming pawns in a holiday power struggle.
Takeaways:
Setting expectations: Don't promise what you can't deliver.Why communication in November saves he... Duration: 00:25:19#186 - 3 Key Mistakes to Avoid in Family Law Mediation
Dec 01, 2025Let us hear from you!
Are you preparing for family law mediation? In this video, Ron Gore, family law attorney and mediator, breaks down the three biggest mistakes he sees parents make after conducting more than 100 mediations per year.
Many people enter mediation with the wrong mindset or without the necessary preparation, leading to expensive delays and added stress.
In this video, you will learn:
The Wrong Focus: Why seeking validation, payback, or total closure is a mistake.Misunderstanding the Law: Why you need a reality c... Duration: 00:10:08Scheduling Announcement
Nov 17, 2025Let us hear from you!
Duration: 00:01:08#185 - How to Prepare for Your Family Law Mediation
Nov 10, 2025Let us hear from you!
Going to divorce or custody mediation? Don't go in unprepared. Drawing on experience from more than 100 mediations per year, attorney and Coparent Academy co-founder Ron Gore explains exactly how to set yourself up for success. We cover: (1) Understanding what mediation is, (2) How to frame your negotiating positions, and (3) The critical importance of gathering all facts before you start. Plus, understand why even family law attorneys prefer to settle their own cases.
This content is family law education, not legal advice. To obtain legal advice, please contact a licensed attorney in...
Duration: 00:12:38#184 - How to Get the Most Out of Your Coparent's Deposition Testimony
Nov 03, 2025Let us hear from you!
You paid for the deposition, now make it count! The deposition transcript is one of the most expensive and important documents in your family law case. Attorney Ron Gore explains how you, the client, can maximize its value by assisting your attorney in a highly organized way. This video outlines how to:
Read the transcript strategically (twice!).Organize notes by specific litigation issues.Identify three key categories: admissions, provable lies/mistakes, and negative facts for your side.Identify the communications, documents, recordings, and witnesses that will help your attorney... Duration: 00:08:43#183 - How NOT to Waste Money Deposing Your Coparent
Oct 27, 2025Let us hear from you!
Make your coparent's deposition worth every penny. This expert guide from family law attorney Ron Gore details how clients can become their legal team's best asset. Stop the frustrating cycle of repeating yourself and help your lawyer connect the facts to the law with a highly organized system. We cover:
Full Disclosure: Why even your "bad" texts matter.Organization: Using the "Day in the Life" method.Tech Strategy: Utilizing technology before and during the deposition.Demeanor: How to stay professional and... Duration: 00:12:12#182 - How to Prepare for Your Child Custody Deposition
Oct 20, 2025Let us hear from you!
Your deposition in a family law case is one of the most important moments in the litigation process. Are you prepared?
In this episode, we break down how to perform well at your deposition, save time/money, and increase the likelihood of a reasonable outcome.
In this crucial, you will learn:
The absolute necessity of telling your attorney everything (even the embarrassing parts).How your attorney uses "issue spotting" to prepare you for the topics you’ll face.Why having reasonable expectations can help you reach key ag... Duration: 00:15:21#181 - Depositions: The Most Important Discovery Tool in Family Law
Oct 13, 2025Let us hear from you!
Written discovery is slow, filtered, and easily obstructed. Learn why a deposition—a face-to-face, real-time interview under oath—is the most important tool in preparing for a custody trial. Discover the strategic value of essentially unlimited follow-up questions, reasons why you may want a videographer, and the attorney's ethical duty to uncover all facts, both good and bad, about both parents to help the court determine what's in the child's best interest.
Duration: 00:12:37#180 - Managing Extracurriculars With a High Conflict Coparent
Oct 06, 2025Let us hear from you!
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Struggling to manage your child's extracurricular activities with a high conflict coparent? This video provides a detailed 12-step strategy to move from hoping for cooperation to planning for its absence. Learn how to make your ex's cooperation irrelevant and ensure your child doesn't miss out.
In this guide from Coparenting Academy, we cover:
How to review your court order (sole vs. joint custody)How to propose a new activityWhy parenting apps like Our Family Wizard are criticalThe "two sets of equipment" rule f... Duration: 00:18:08#179 - Are You An Emotionally Clumsy Coparent?
Sep 29, 2025Let us hear from you!
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When we get emotionally dysregulated, our ability to make simple, rational decisions can disappear. This is especially true in high-stakes coparenting conversations where past issues can surface without warning.
Learn why we sometimes make things harder than they need to be and how to start doing better next time.
If you've ever had a moment like this, let me know in the comments. Let's learn from each other.
Get more coparenting strategies at Coparent Academy: https://coparentacademy.com
<...
#178 - 6 Ways High Conflict Coparents Sabotage Extracurricular Activities
Sep 22, 2025Let us hear from you!
Watch the video for this episode on YouTube.
Does it feel like your coparent is always making you the "bad guy" when it comes to extracurriculars? Getting your child excited about an expensive travel team or a demanding activity before you've even had a chance to discuss it is a common high-conflict tactic.
In this video, we expose the manipulative strategies some parents use—from creating false urgency to undermining your authority. More importantly, we'll give you a calm, actionable plan to respond effectively, protect your child from the...
#177 - Extracurriculars - A Practical Guide for Cooperative Coparents
Sep 15, 2025Let us hear from you!
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Extracurriculars are meant to be fun, but they can be a source of tension for coparents. In this video, we provide practical advice to help you and your coparent make decisions smoothly. We cover everything from the importance of trial periods for new activities to setting boundaries for mutual respect, both on the sidelines and online. By working as a team, you can give your child the gift of a positive experience, preventing them from being soured on activities they love.
Find more...
Duration: 00:26:49#176 - How Coparents Should Handle Parent-Teacher Conferences
Sep 08, 2025Let us hear from you!
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A child's education is a critical part of their well-being, but for coparents a parent-teacher conference can quickly become an arena for conflict. This guide helps you put your child's needs first by equipping you with the professional-grade tools to navigate any difficult situation with grace.
This video gives you a tactical roadmap to:
• A clear, 3-step plan for before, during, and after the conference.
• Ensure your child feels secure in a "two-parent" system, even after separa...
#175 - Video Game Visitation
Sep 01, 2025Let us hear from you!
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Long-distance visitation and supervised visitation present huge challenges for coparents. The calls can become stale, the connection can fade, and the costs can be overwhelming. This video provides a tactical solve that most courts and lawyers don't even know about: Video Game Visitation.
We cover the exact "why" and "how-to":
* Why maintaining a relationship with your child is so important, both for them and for your.
* Choosing the right, age-appropriate games.
* Structuring the time to maximize connection and safety.
#174 - What Happens When Coparents Have Different Rules?
Aug 25, 2025Let us hear from you!
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If your coparent’s inconsistent rules are undermining your efforts and creating chaos for your child, this video is your step-by-step action plan.
Stop fighting the "my house, my rules" battle. Instead, implement a proven strategy to provide your child with the stability they desperately need—with or without your coparent's cooperation.
YOUR 3-STEP PLAYBOOK FROM THIS VIDEO:
DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM: Pinpoint exactly how inconsistent environments force your child into a state of anxiety and manipulation.
ATTEMPT COLL...
#173 - Why Does Your Kid Act Differently with Your Ex?
Aug 18, 2025Let us hear from you!
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You and your coparent have the same child... but you're raising two different kids. It's a maddening reality for millions of divorced parents, leading to blame and conflict. But what if the cause wasn't your coparent's "leniency" or your "rigidity"? What if it was a powerful psychological force ignited by the separation itself? Once you see it, you can't unsee it. This video reveals the subconscious reasons your child adapts their personality for each home and gives you the tools to stop fighting the dynamic...
Duration: 00:06:28#172 - Are You Winning Custody But Losing Your Child?
Aug 11, 2025Let us hear from you!
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Are you winning parenting time but losing your child's heart? Many co-parents fall into the "Scoreboard Mentality"—fighting for what's "fair" instead of what builds a lasting relationship. In this video, we reveal the 3 most common traps (The Schedule Trap, The "It's My Time" Fallacy, and Weaponizing Your Right of First Refusal) that can damage your connection with your kids.
Learn the one simple question to ask yourself—The Tomorrow Test—that can shift your entire co-parenting approach from conflict to connection. Stop playin...
#171 - How To Validate Your Child But Not Trash Your Coparent
Aug 04, 2025Let us hear from you!
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A popular coparenting Instagram creator has given parents a script for when their child complains about the other parent. It’s a common problem, but is their advice the whole story?
In this episode, family law attorney Ron Gore and therapist Connie LeBlanc watch the video and provide their expert reaction. They agree with some points but add crucial context that could save you from creating a bigger conflict.
You will learn:
How to validate your child's feelings without in...
#170 - Supervised Visitation: Is "Free" Actually More Expensive?
Jul 31, 2025Let us hear from you!
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Forced to have supervised visits with your kids? You're facing a choice: use a friend/family member for free, or pay a professional.
The answer isn't as obvious as you think.
In this video, we talk about the pros and cons of each so you can make the right decision for your family and your wallet.
#169 - High Conflict Coparenting? Try the FACTS Only approach
Jul 21, 2025Let us hear from you!
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Are your coparenting conversations endless, draining, and unproductive? You're not alone. In this video, discover the "FACTS Only" communication tool – a simple, efficient way to streamline your discussions and focus on what truly matters: your child's needs. Learn how this powerful strategy, focusing on Feedback, Activities, Concerns, Transportation, and Supplies, can transform high-conflict exchanges into clear, actionable updates. We'll also cover essential tips for implementation, including the best communication methods (hint: ditch the texts!) and how to maintain your sanity even when your coparent doesn't co...
Duration: 00:12:23#168 - Is Children's Church Indoctrination? A Divorced Dad's Dilemma
Jul 14, 2025Let us hear from you!
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Are you a parent navigating different religious beliefs in your household, or worried about your child's exposure to a coparent's faith? This episode is for you.
In this re-edited version of Episode 5 of Coparent Academy, you'll hear the story of a child who found common ground between Southern Baptist and Muslim parents (it involves bacon!), and we'll break down a compelling Reddit post about a dad's fear of 'indoctrination.' Drawing from personal experience as a 'preacher's kid' who was discouraged from independent t...
#167 - Is it Too Soon for My Coparent to Have Overnights?
Jul 07, 2025Let us hear from you!
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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 c...
Duration: 00:12:12#166 - The Smart Coparent's Secret: Investing in Trust, Not Conflict
Jun 30, 2025Let us hear from you!
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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... Duration: 00:23:00#165 - Beyond Conflict: Finding Compromise in Coparenting
Jun 23, 2025Let us hear from you!
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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...
Duration: 00:14:29#164 - The Dangers of Rushing Into Reconciliation Therapy
Jun 17, 2025Let us hear from you!
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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...
#163 - Is $200 Per Child Enough for Child Support?
Jun 09, 2025Let us hear from you!
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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 ob...
#162 - How to Have Hard Conversations with Your Coparent
Jun 02, 2025Let us hear from you!
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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...
#161 - Can A 12 Year Old Decide Which Parent to Live With?
May 26, 2025Let us hear from you!
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...
#160 - Why Coparents Should Care About Mindfulness
May 19, 2025Let us hear from you!
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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 meansThe science behind automatic stress responsesReal-life examples of mindful copare... Duration: 00:36:05#159 - 8 Discipline Mistakes That Can Land You in Court
May 12, 2025Let us hear from you!
Watch this video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-miVOo1A5Nw
Discipline done wrong can destroy your relationship with your child—and even land you in court. In this episode, we break down 8 common discipline mistakes that cost parents not only thousands in legal fees but also the trust of their children and coparents.
Whether you're going through a custody battle, coparenting after separation, or just trying to raise emotionally healthy kids, this video gives you actionable insights to parent wisely—without risking your legal standing or y...
Duration: 00:16:39#158 - Do You Know Why You're Mad at Your Coparent?
May 05, 2025Let us hear from you!
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Struggling with a high-conflict coparent?
You’re not alone. But while conflict in coparenting might be unavoidable it doesn't have to be destructive — to you or your kids.
In this episode, we’ll break down a powerful mindset shift to help you stay grounded during frustrating moments. Using the common (and infuriating) example of your coparent being late to a custody exchange, we’ll explore:
Why your anger might not be about just being 10 minutes lateHow to use journali... Duration: 00:11:38#157 - 8 Reasons Not to Mindread Your Coparent
Apr 28, 2025Let us hear from you!
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/wtOVdWh5RLQ
Are you tired of unnecessary conflicts and misunderstandings with your coparent? Mindreading can be a major relationship killer, including your coparenting relationship. In this episode, we talk about 8 key reasons why you should never try to mindread your coparent. From avoiding miscommunication to promoting a healthier coparenting dynamic, we discuss the benefits of not assuming what's on your coparent's mind. Watch until the end to learn how to improve your coparenting relationship and create a more positive environment for your c...
Duration: 00:11:59#156 - Is the Right of First Refusal Hurting Your Child?
Apr 21, 2025Let us hear from you!
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/u2y48WhgMdI
Is the Right of First Refusal good for your parenting plan—or a source of unnecessary conflict?
In this episode, we break down the controversial clause known as the Right of First Refusal in custody agreements.
You'll learn:
What the Right of First Refusal actually isWhen it works—and when it causes more harm than goodThe impact on children, parental conflict, and coparenting dynamicsWhy we usually recommend against including itWha... Duration: 00:15:57#155 - Are You Overcommunicating with Your Coparent?
Apr 14, 2025Let us hear from you!
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lqVKHHxQQaY
Unnecessary communication is one of the worst unforced errors in coparenting. Learn what necessary coparenting communication actually looks like, how to avoid emotional traps, and how to stay focused on your child’s best interests.
You’ll learn:
✅ The difference between helpful and necessary communication
✅ How to respond to emotional or petty messages
✅ What to say when your coparent keeps over-sharing
✅ A journalistic method to keep messages clear and focused
✅ Why strict boundari...
#154 - Outside My Window of Tolerance
Apr 07, 2025Let us hear from you!
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This week a tornado hit our home. And I got COVID. I was reminded how fragile our window of tolerance can be when life throws everything at us all at once.
This week I found myself way outside of my own window of tolerance. In this episode I talk about what that looked like and how I found my way back.
In this episode, I talk about:
The emotional and physical toll of back-to-back crisesHow trauma affects our ability to s... Duration: 00:18:42#153 - How to Calm Your Upset Child
Mar 31, 2025Let us hear from you!
Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/qRtXCKc3qOI
Are you struggling to connect with your child during emotional meltdowns?
Feel like nothing you say helps them calm down or understand what went wrong?
In this video, we break down the powerful 4 Rs method — Regulate, Relate, Reason, Restore — based on the work of Dr. Bruce Perry (3 Rs) and trauma-informed parenting techniques. This simple, science-backed approach helps you de-escalate emotional outbursts and guide your child with empathy, connection, and calm.
✨ What You’ll Learn:
How t...
#152 - How to Understand Your Child's Window of Tolerance
Mar 24, 2025Let us hear from you!
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XYotWpy3HW4
Why do kids suddenly explode with emotion—or completely shut down? In this episode, we look at how Dr. Dan Siegel’s Window of Tolerance model helps us understand emotional regulation in children.
Learn:
- What causes kids to "flip their lid"
- How to spot hyper- and hypo-arousal
- Practical tools to bring your child back into their window of tolerance
- How to expand your child's window of tolerance
Perfe...
#151 - How to Reconnect with your Child
Mar 17, 2025Let us hear from you!
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QuwvHKor6L0?si=zvsuBaVrrZ86Q8GB
Are you struggling to connect with your child after a divorce or separation? Do you feel like parenting issues may lead to problems in your coparenting relationship? In this episode, we discuss a powerful, trauma-informed approach to connection called PACE (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy).
Originally developed by Dr. Dan Hughes for children in the foster system, PACE can help strengthen your bond, rebuild trust, and support your child through emotional c...
Duration: 00:19:28#150 - Hierarchy of Needs for Kids in Two Homes
Mar 10, 2025Let us hear from you!
Coparenting is challenging, but what truly matters for your child's well-being? In this video, we break down Dr. Emery’s adaptation of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs for children in two homes. We’ll discuss what matters more than simply having two parents and how you can create the best possible environment for your child—even after separation or divorce.
🔹 Learn why one good parent is more important than two conflicted ones
🔹 Understand the biggest risk factors for children in co-parenting situations
🔹 Discover how to minimize conflict and support your chil...
#149 - What is Your Internal Working Model?
Mar 03, 2025Let us hear from you!
Have you ever reacted to your child in a way that surprised you? Do you sometimes feel frustrated with how you parent? The answer might lie in something deeply ingrained—your internal working model.
In this video, we explore:
🔹 What an internal working model is and how it’s formed
🔹 How your childhood experiences influence your parenting style
🔹 The difference between secure and insecure attachment
🔹 How to recognize and reshape unhelpful parenting patterns
Our early experience...
Duration: 00:15:39#148 - Unclassifiable - The Kids Who Changed Attachment Theory
Feb 24, 2025Let us hear from you!
Have you ever wondered about kids whose behaviors don't neatly fit into traditional attachment theory categories? Those are the "unclassifiable" children first observed by Mary Ainsworth during her "Strange Situation" tests. This video looks at how these unclassifiable reactions led researcher Mary Main to identify a new attachment style known as "disorganized attachment."
For more resources and in-depth courses visit www.coparentacademy.com.
Have questions or comments? We’d love to hear from you! Send them to ron@coparentacademy.com.
#147 - How Your Child Sees You: The Hidden Blueprint for Their Future
Feb 17, 2025Let us hear from you!
Have you ever wondered how your child truly sees you—not just on the surface, but deep down? The way you interact with them forms their inner working model—a blueprint that shapes their future relationships, self-worth, and emotional well-being.
In this video, we break down:
✅ How early experiences shape attachment and trust
✅ The impact of secure vs. insecure attachment styles
✅ Parenting habits that foster emotional security
✅ Practical strategies to help your child build confidence and resilience
Your parenting choices today shape how your chi...
Duration: 00:15:04#146 - How to Tell If You Have a Secure Relationship With Your Child
Feb 10, 2025Let us hear from you!
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YwBdKE9cSOU
Do you ever worry about whether your child feels secure with you—or with your coparent? You're not alone. While there isn’t a simple questionnaire to measure a child's sense of security, attachment theory provides valuable insights into how children form relationships with their caregivers.
In this episode, we discuss the Strange Situation—a groundbreaking assessment developed by Mary Ainsworth to evaluate a child's attachment style. We break down what different attachment styles reveal about the parent-child relatio...
Duration: 00:16:49#145 - How Responsive Parenting Shapes a Child’s Attachment
Feb 04, 2025Let us hear from you!
Attachment isn’t just about emotions—it’s a survival strategy wired into our DNA. From the moment we’re born, we rely on our caregivers to shape how we connect with the world. But how does this work? And what happens when those connections break down?
* Watch this episode on YouTube (https://youtu.be/7ecu1EYplTU?si=Qvaw4zrCHd4xYpri)
In this episode, we discuss:
How parents shape their child’s emotional se... Duration: 00:16:11
#144 - How Do Genetics and Stress Shape Your Baby’s Brain?
Jan 27, 2025Let us hear from you!
Your baby’s brain develops at an astonishing rate during the first two years of life, and two powerful forces are at play: genetics and experiences. We discuss how these factors work together to shape your baby’s brain architecture and how toxic stress can disrupt this delicate process.
Learn the science behind brain development and find out why to protect your baby from the harmful effects of stress.
Topics Covered:
- The role of genetics and experiences in brain development
- How toxic stress affe...
#143 - How Stress Affects Children During Pregnancy
Jan 20, 2025Let us hear from you!
This is Episode 2 in our Raising Emotionally Resilient Children series.
In this episode we dig into the epigenetic effects of stressors on children during pregnancy.
We discuss:
The Diathesis-Stress ModelEpigeneticsPrenatal Brain DevelopmentPrenatal Programming (aka DOHad or the Barker Hypothesis)Examples including the epigenetic effects of the:Descendants of Holocaust survivors; and Children born to mothers who were pregnant with them during the Quebec Ice Storm of 1998
Check out the Youtube version of this episode for some additional visual content and links to research articles reviewed and/o...
#142 - Development of a Child's Emotional Brain
Jan 13, 2025Let us hear from you!
This is Episode 1 of our Raising Emotionally Resilient Children series.
In this episode we give an overview of how the emotional brain develops, based on the work of Dr. Allan Schore. Next week, we'll get into the details of how the brain develops and what brain scans of mothers and their infants interacting can teach us about attachment.
This week we introduce our new series, Raising Emotionally Resilient Kids.
This series is designed to help you better understand your child’s emotional development so you can su...
#141 - Raising Emotionally Resilient Kids - Series Preview
Jan 06, 2025Let us hear from you!
This week we introduce our new series, Raising Emotionally Resilient Kids.
This series is designed to help you better understand your child’s emotional development so you can support them in becoming resilient, emotionally intelligent, and secure.
The series focuses on two key themes:
The Science of Emotional Development – We’ll explore how a child’s brain develops, from before birth through early childhood and beyond. You’ll learn how the emotional brain works and how your actions as a parent or co-parent shape their future.P... Duration: 00:12:49#140 - Final Replay - College Financial Planning for Parents - Part 2
Dec 30, 2024Let us hear from you!
This week is the last in our holiday replay series. Next week, I'll introduce our new series on the development of children's emotional brain, attachment, and what that all means for coparents.
The replay this week is part 2 of our conversation with Brad Baldridge.
Brad Baldridge, CFP®, is a College Funding Consultant specializing in late-stage college funding planning and the chief podcaster of Taming The High Cost Of College. He provides customized planning using the latest financial aid, tax, cash flow and academic strategies.
In this conv...
#139 - Replay - College Financial Planning for Coparents - Part 1
Dec 23, 2024Let us hear from you!
This week we begin a replay of our two-episode conversation with Brad Baldridge.
Brad Baldridge, CFP®, is a College Funding Consultant specializing in late-stage college funding planning and the chief podcaster of Taming The High Cost Of College. He provides customized planning using the latest financial aid, tax, cash flow and academic strategies.
In this conversation, we discuss the difficult situation of college funding during and after a divorce, starting with the foundational information any parent needs to know when planning for the financial realities of their child's co...
#138 - Replay - Extended Forensic Evaluations Interview with Jaime Vogt - Part 2
Dec 16, 2024Let us hear from you!
This week we conclude the replay of our conversation with Licensed Professional Counselor Jaime Vogt about Extended Forensic Evaluations (EFE). In this episode, Jaime discusses in detail the process she uses to conduct an EFE.
Jaime is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Oklahoma. She has conducted over 3,000 forensic interviews of children for frontline investigations.
Prior to starting her private practice she began her work with children as a therapist with Family and Children's Services in the Family Sexual Abuse Treatment Program . She later became the Ch...
Duration: 00:22:33#137 - Replay - Extended Forensic Evaluations Interview with Jaime Vogt - Part 1
Dec 09, 2024Let us hear from you!
This week we continue our end of year replay of some of the interview episodes that aired over the past two years.
This episode is Part 1 of a two-part conversation about extended forensic evaluations with Jaime Vogt.
Jaime is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Oklahoma. She has conducted over 3,000 forensic interviews of children for frontline investigations.
Prior to starting her private practice she began her work with children as a therapist with Family and Children's Services in the Family Sexual Abuse Treatment Program . She...
Duration: 00:33:57#136 - Replay - Interview with Justin and Alexis Black: Redefining Normal
Dec 02, 2024Let us hear from you!
This episode is a replay of our first ever shared podcast. Linda and I sit down with an amazing couple, Justin and Alexis Black. Listen to Justin's podcast, ROSE from Concrete: ROSE From Concrete (buzzsprout.com)
Justin and Alexis are the authors of Redefining Normal: How Two Foster Kids Beat The Odds and Discovering Healing, Happiness, and Love.
Their book is a powerful memoir that takes the reader through their harrowing childhood experiences, which included abuse, neglect, and years in the foster system. More importantly, however, their book deta...
#135 - Replay - Interview with Author Teresa Harlow
Nov 25, 2024Let us hear from you!
This week we start our slide into the New Year with a replay of an episode from 2022 in week we interviewed author Teresa Harlow. For each of the next several weeks as we close out the year, we'll be replaying some of the episodes in which we interviewed guests, including authors, an attorney, and a therapist.
We spoke with Teresa about her techniques for transforming combative relationships into collaborative partnerships.
Check out her most recent book, Combative to Collaborative: The Co-Parenting Code at https://promethean-publishing.square.site/
#134 - Holidays
Nov 18, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we talk about how to focus on your child's needs during the holidays to avoid conflict and help your child have a wonderful holiday season.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com
To see our courses, visit https://coparentacademy.com
#133 - What is a Parenting Coordinator?
Nov 11, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we talk about what a parenting coordinator is and how one can help coparents improve communication and reduce conflict.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com
To see our courses, visit https://coparentacademy.com
#132 - Separation Anxiety for Children in Separated Families
Nov 04, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we talk about separation anxiety for children in separated families, focusing on anxiety related to visitation transfers.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com
To see our courses, visit https://coparentacademy.com
#131 - Series Break - High Conflict Communication Replay
Oct 28, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this one-episode break from our current series on Separation Anxiety in children, we replay one of our most popular episodes from 2023. Linda and I discuss a Redit post in which a mother asks for advice about how to communicate with her high conflict coparent.
Next week we'll return to our series with an episode defining and describing separation anxiety, particularly in children living in two homes.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com
To see ou...
#130 - Anxiety in Children
Oct 21, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we talk about anxiety in children, from an infant's fear of strange faces to a teenager's fear about fitting in. We distinguish everyday worries from maladaptive anxiety reactions that may require professional intervention.
Next week we specifically on defining and describing separation anxiety, particularly in children living in two homes.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com
To see our courses, visit https://coparentacademy.com
#129 - Separation Anxiety - Series Intro
Oct 14, 2024Let us hear from you!
This week starts our new series on separation anxiety. This is a phrase family law professionals often hear as both a sword and a shield in coparenting conflict.
In this series, we'll address what separation anxiety actually is, how to recognize it, and how best to deal with it as coparents. This week's episode is an overview of the topic, which we'll break down in greater detail in future episodes.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com
#128 - Preventing Custody Issues Caused by Improper Discipline
Oct 07, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode of our effective discipline series, we discuss how improper discipline can lead to litigation over custody and visitation. We touch on the difference between discipline and abuse, including the damaging effects of corporal punishment, fear, and emotional manipulation, even when they seem legal or commonplace. Learn how consistency in discipline practices can make all the difference in your children perceiving the discipline they receive to be fair, and why it's important to avoid punishing your child as a way to get back at your coparent.
Thanks for l...
#127 - Interview with Sol Kennedy, Founder of the Best Interest Parenting App
Sep 30, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we talk with Sol Kennedy, the creator of the Best Interest coparent communication application. We discuss the coparenting challenges Sol faced and how these experiences led to the creation of an AI-powered solution designed to help people stuck in toxic coparenting relationships filter out unhelpful communication and keep their coparent communication child focused.
Please forgive the poor quality of my audio from this Zoom conversation, although Sol's audio sounds great - which is way more important!
Check out the Best Interest app at: BestInterest - Co...
#126 - Should You Spank Your Child?
Sep 23, 2024Let us hear from you!
Is spanking an effective discipline tool or an outdated practice that does more harm than good? This week we discuss research from academic journals and refer back to "No Drama Discipline" and "Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child" to get our answer.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com
To see our courses, visit https://coparentacademy.com
#125 - Building Consistency Between Both Homes
Sep 16, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we discuss why and how to build consistency between both coparents’ homes.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com
To see our courses, visit https://coparentacademy.com
#124 - Effective Discipline Immediately After Separation
Sep 09, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we discuss how to have more effective discipline immediately after separation.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com
To see our courses, visit https://coparentacademy.com
#123 - Why Parenting Suffers After Separation
Sep 02, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we discuss why parenting suffers in the first year after separation and any other time similar stress and upheaval occur.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com
To see our courses, visit https://coparentacademy.com
#122 - No Drama Discipline
Aug 26, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode we discuss parenting strategies from "No-Drama Discipline" by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. We learn about the difference between the "upstairs brain" and "downstairs brain," and how to shift from punitive measures to teaching moments, fostering self-discipline, emotional regulation, and problem-solving skills in children by responding with empathy and being mindful of our own emotional triggers.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com
To see our courses, visit https://coparentacademy.com
#121 - Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child
Aug 19, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we discuss
"Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child" by Dr. John Gottman.
You’ll learn some practical insights into helping your kids recognize, understand, manage, and express their emotions effectively,
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com
To see our courses, visit https://coparentacademy.com
#120 - How to Talk So Kids Will Listen
Aug 12, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we discuss Joanna Thaber and Julie King's "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen, and How to Listen So Kids Will Talk," which teaches how acknowledging and validating your child's emotions can lead to greater cooperation and understanding using strategies like naming emotions, reflective listening, and empathetic responses.
"Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child" by Dr. John Gottman.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To see our courses, visit https://coparentacademy.com
#119 - Parenting with Love and Logic
Aug 05, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we discuss the parenting techniques presented in the book Parenting with Love and Logic and learn how to offer choices, set firm boundaries, and encourage your kids to experience the natural consequences of their decisions.
Next week we'll discuss the book How to Talk so Kids Will Listen and How to Listen so Kids Will Talk.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To see our courses, visit https://coparentacademy.com
#118 - A Brief Look at Children's Developmental Stages
Jul 29, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we give a brief overview of children's developmental stages and needs at each stage.
Next week, we'll dive into the book Parenting with Love and Logic.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To see our courses, visit https://coparentacademy.com
#117 - 5 Parenting Types
Jul 22, 2024Let us hear from you!
Do you ever wonder how your parenting style might be shaping your child's future?
In this episode, we discuss the impacts of various parenting styles on children's development. We work through the spectrum of parenting styles from helicopter parents to uninvolved parents, analyzing the challenges these extremes present. Learn how authoritarian, or drill sergeant parenting, with its rigid rules and demand for obedience, can affect a child's self-esteem.
For a look at helpful parenting, we highlight the authoritative or consultant parenting style. This balanced approach emphasizes setting reasonable b...
#116 - Preview of Discipline Series and replay of Transitions are Hard episode
Jul 15, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode we give you a preview of the upcoming discipline series and replay one of our more popular episodes, about why transitions are so hard for kids.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To see our courses, visit https://coparentacademy.com
#115 - Stress Indicators in Children
Jul 08, 2024Let us hear from you!
This episode discusses stress indicators in children related to the separation process.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To see our courses, visit https://coparentacademy.com
#114 - Coparenting Through Illness or Injury
Jul 01, 2024Let us hear from you!
This episode provides some tips for coparenting when your child is sick or injured.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To see our courses, visit https://coparentacademy.com
#113 - Creating an Effective Parenting Plan
Jun 24, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we discuss how to create a parenting plan that is child focused and flexible.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To see our courses, visit https://coparentacademy.com
#112 - Father's Day
Jun 16, 2024Let us hear from you!
Happy Father's Day! Some thoughts for fathers who can't see their children this year, fathers who can, and mothers too.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To see our courses, visit https://coparentacademy.com
#111 - Reconciliation as a Possible Outcome
Jun 10, 2024Let us hear from you!
Reconciliation can be a fantastic outcome for separated couples, unless it isn't. How do you tell the difference, and how do you tell the kids?
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To see our courses, visit https://coparentacademy.com
#110 - Effective Conflict Management
Jun 03, 2024Let us hear from you!
Conflict in coparenting isn't inherently a bad thing—if managed right, it can actually strengthen your partnership. This episode is about turning unhealthy conflict into productive communication.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To take our Conflict Resolution course, visit https://coparentacademy.com/courses/active-conflict-resolution/
#109 - Linda's Goodbye Episode
Apr 22, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we say goodbye to Linda as the weekly cohost. I (Ron) will continue the podcast with a different format beginning June 3, 2024.
I can't express how much I've learned from Linda and have grown as a person from the time I've spent with her. She's the absolute best and I can't wait for her to come back to the show periodically as a guest.
As a side note, in editing the podcast for release I noticed that I was dropping my "r"s. When I was y...
#108 - Domestic Violence and Parental Separation
Apr 15, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we discuss the issue of domestic violence in parental separation or divorce.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To learn more about becoming the best coparent you can be, visit coparentacademy.com.
#107 - Changing Parent Child Relationships after Separation
Apr 08, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we discuss how parent-child relationships can change after separation or divorce.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To learn more about becoming the best coparent you can be, visit coparentacademy.com.
#106 - Long Term Effects of Parental Separation on Children
Apr 01, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we discuss some of the long-term effects of parental separation on children.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To learn more about becoming the best coparent you can be, visit coparentacademy.com.
#105 - Short Terms Effects of Parental Separation on Children
Mar 25, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we discuss some of the short-term effects of parental separation on children.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To learn more about becoming the best coparent you can be, visit coparentacademy.com.
#104 - Communication Strategies for Coparents
Mar 18, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we discuss some communication strategies for coparents.
For this episode, we relied heavily on the work of Drs. John and Julie Gottman. Learn more about the Gottman's and their tremendous work at The Gottman Institute | A research-based approach to relationships.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To learn more about becoming the best coparent you can be, visit coparentacademy.com.
#103 - How to tell your children about the separation
Mar 11, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we talk about how to tell your children that you are separating.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To learn more about becoming the best coparent you can be, visit coparentacademy.com.
#102 - Beginning the Divorce Process with Children
Mar 04, 2024Let us hear from you!
In this episode, we begin a companion series to a course we are creating for new parents beginning the divorce or paternity process in Oklahoma. This first episode starts with a discussion about the procedural process. Then, Linda gives her thoughts about what parents should know about talking to the children about the process.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To learn more about becoming the best coparent you can be, visit coparentacademy.com.
#101 - Conversation with Louisiana Therapist Connie LeBlanc - Part 2
Feb 26, 2024Let us hear from you!
In part 2 of our conversation with Connie LeBlanc, Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LPC, LFMT, we discuss Connie's expert approach to coparenting counseling.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To learn more about becoming the best coparent you can be, visit coparentacademy.com.
#100 - Conversation with Louisiana Therapist Connie LeBlanc - Part 1
Feb 19, 2024Let us hear from you!
This week we're joined Connie LeBlanc, Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LPC, LFMT. Connie has decades of experience helping families in Louisiana. She's also Linda's very best friend. In this episode, we discuss some of the differences in family court procedures in Louisa, Oklahoma, and Virginia.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To learn more about becoming the best coparent you can be, visit coparentacademy.com.
#99 - Treating the Abused Child
Feb 12, 2024Let us hear from you!
In our 9th and final episode of on domestic violence and coparenting we discuss how to work with the abused child to help them recover, including assisting them with the possible reintroduction to the person who abused them.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To learn more about becoming the best coparent you can be, visit coparentacademy.com.
#98 - Treating the Custodial Parent
Feb 05, 2024Let us hear from you!
In Episode 8 of our series on domestic violence and coparenting we discuss the kinds of treatment needed for the custodial parent to assist them with the possible reintroduction to the children of the person who abused them.
If you would like to participate in our domestic violence series as a guest, please contact us and let us know. We are interested in all perspectives and backgrounds for our conversations.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To learn mor...
#97 - Treating the Abusive Parent - Part 2 of 2
Jan 29, 2024Let us hear from you!
In part 2 to episode 7 of our series on domestic violence and coparenting we continue to discuss the kinds of treatment needed for the abusive parent before that person should be reintegrated into the child's life.
If you would like to participate in our domestic violence series as a guest, please contact us and let us know. We are interested in all perspectives and backgrounds for our conversations.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To learn more about be...
#96 - Treating the Abusive Parent - Part 1 of 2
Jan 22, 2024Let us hear from you!
In part 1 to episode 7 of our series on domestic violence and coparenting we discuss the kinds of treatment needed for the abusive parent before that person should be reintegrated into the child's life.
If you would like to participate in our domestic violence series as a guest, please contact us and let us know. We are interested in all perspectives and backgrounds for our conversations.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To learn more about becoming the be...
#95 - How to Structure Visitation with the Abuser Parent - Part 2
Jan 15, 2024Let us hear from you!
In part 2 to episode 6 of our series on domestic violence and coparenting we jump right back into the middle of our discussion about how to structure visitation with the abuser parent.
If you would like to participate in our domestic violence series as a guest, please contact us and let us know. We are interested in all perspectives and backgrounds for our conversations.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To learn more about becoming the best coparent you...
#94 - How to Structure Visitation with the Abuser Parent - Part 1
Jan 08, 2024Let us hear from you!
In episode 6 of our series on domestic violence and coparenting we discuss how to structure visitation with the abuser parent. This topic turned out to be pretty lengthy, so we've split the episode into two parts. This is part 1.
If you would like to participate in our domestic violence series as a guest, please contact us and let us know. We are interested in all perspectives and backgrounds for our conversations.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To...
#93 - Risk of Visitation with the Abuser Parent
Jan 01, 2024Let us hear from you!
In episode 5 of our series on domestic violence and coparenting talk about the risk of visitation with the abuser parent.
If you would like to participate in our domestic violence series as a guest, please contact us and let us know. We are interested in all perspectives and backgrounds for our conversations.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To learn more about becoming the best coparent you can be, visit coparentacademy.com.
#92 - Abusers as Parents
Dec 25, 2023Let us hear from you!
In episode 4 of our series on domestic violence and coparenting we talk about what kind of parent abusers often make.
If you would like to participate in our domestic violence series as a guest, please contact us and let us know. We are interested in all perspectives and backgrounds for our conversations.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To learn more about becoming the best coparent you can be, visit coparentacademy.com.
#91 - Coparenting When There are False Claims of Domestic Violence
Dec 18, 2023Let us hear from you!
In episode 3 of our series on domestic violence and coparenting we discuss how false claims of domestic violence impact the coparenting relationship.
If you would like to participate in our domestic violence series as a guest, please contact us and let us know. We are interested in all perspectives and backgrounds for our conversations.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To learn more about becoming the best coparent you can be, visit coparentacademy.com.
#90 - Effect of Domestic Violence on the Victim Coparent
Dec 11, 2023Let us hear from you!
In episode 2 of our series on domestic violence and coparenting we discuss the impact on domestic violence on the victim coparent.
If you would like to participate in our domestic violence series as a guest, please contact us and let us know. We are interested in all perspectives and backgrounds for our conversations.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To learn more about becoming the best coparent you can be, visit coparentacademy.com.
#89 - What do we mean by "domestic violence"?
Dec 04, 2023Let us hear from you!
In episode 2 of our series on domestic violence and coparenting, we define the different forms of domestic violence using the Duluth Power and Control Wheel.
If you would like to participate in our domestic violence series as a guest, please contact us and let us know. We are interested in all perspectives and backgrounds for our conversations.
Thanks for listening! If you have questions, comments, or concerns, please email us at podcast@coparentacademy.com. To learn more about becoming the best coparent you can be, visit coparentacademy.com.