Co-Parenting Resources
If there is a common theme in divorces, it is the struggle and conflict that comes when children are involved. Unfortunately, it is a struggle that can continue for separated parents through childhood and into early adulthood. But all psychologists and mental health professionals agree. The sooner that parents can move beyond their conflict and learn how to co-parenting in a healthy way, the better the chances are that their children will thrive. The resources listed below are highly recommended by lawyers and counselors alike.
Mindful Co-Parenting by Jeremy S. Gaies, Psy.D. and James B. Morris, Jr., Ph.D.
This book starts with the decision to divorce and walks the reader through the divorce process, from the child’s perspective. It is intended to help parents make the decisions that are best for their children from the beginning of their separation and divorce until the time the children reach adulthood.
The Co-Parenting Handbook: Raising Well-Adjusted and Resilient Kids from Little Ones to Young Adults through Divorce or Separation by Karen Bonnell with Kristin Little.
This book delves into the emotional aspects of divorce for both the children and the parents, and provides some tools to allow parents to move beyond their anger and hurt so that they can focus on their children’s needs.
Co-Parenting with a Toxic Ex: What to Do When your Ex-Spouse Tries to Turn the Kids Against You by Dr. Amy J.L. Baker and Paul R. Fine.
Unfortunately there are also situations where one parent decides to use the children as pawns in their war with an ex-partner. The effect can be that the children take sides in their parents’ disagreements and align with one parent. This can lead to a broken relationship between the child and the other parent. Co-Parenting with a Toxic Ex seeks to help that parent who has been alienated from their children, and to guide them through the process of rebuilding healthy relationships with their children.
Mom’s House, Dad’s House: Making Two Homes for Your Child by Dr. Isolina Ricci.
This book comes with some great tools, checklists and self-tests that will help walk parents through the separation process with the goal of giving your children two homes that are happy and healthy. There is also a companion book for your children.
Mom's House, Dad's House for Kids: Feeling at Home in One Home or Two by Dr. Isolina Ricci
This is the companion workbook for your children. It is designed to help them navigate the divorce process and the issues of having separated parents.
Parenting Apart: How Separated and Divorced Parents Can Raise Happy and Secure Kids by Christina McGhee.
Last, but certainly not least, this guide provides some very practical tips and insights into the challenges that parents will face after they separate. The author shares some wonderful guidance for addressing financial issues, and discipline and scheduling issues, but it also provides insights into the emotional and psychological impact on your children.
Joint Custody with a Jerk: Raising a Child with an Uncooperative Ex by Julie A. Ross and Judy Corcoran.
Often one parent in the divorce is unable to work beyond their anger or hurt, and becomes uncooperative or difficult to deal with in the co-parenting process. It is a great resource for those parents whose ex-partner is not on the same page with co-parenting.