Divorce is not the an end of a relationship when children are involved. Rather, it is a relationship that continues often for years to come. Interactions with a former spouse can keep old wounds, negative thoughts and emotions, and even destructive patterns alive and active between exes. Research has shown these ongoing negative interactions has long-lasting negative impacts on children all the way into adulthood.
because yeah yeah but it's not a joke anyway. Oh my gosh stopCo-parenting is not easy but is critical for the wellbeing and best outcomes for children. While the act of divorce is always extremely difficult for children, it is possible for them to come through divorce with little to no long-lasting effects. Research shows that children of divorce who have consistent rules, structure, and good coordination between homes have significantly less issues overcoming the difficulties and injuries of divorce.
Children need two parents who love and care for them. One loving and attentive parent is protective and helps children have good relational models for the future even as they attempt to resolve why they were unchosen, unloved, or unprotected by the other. Abandonment and other just as powerfully traumatic feelings happen in children when parents are physically and/or emotionally absent, seem to choose their new families over the child, seem absorbed in their own drama, anger, and wounds, and/or use their children as tools or weapons in their on-going war with their ex.
Whether we have both co-parents in the room or just one, we can teach you strategies to manage interactions between exes to minimize destructive patterns, improve the quality of experience for your children, and sometimes to even find a measure of healing and peace around the divorce itself.
We can help you learn important co-parenting strategies to coordinate home environments, communication, discipline, and healthy boundaries to facilitate a workable relationship for the sake of your children.
Contact us today to get on the path to the best outcomes for your children through co-parenting.
Please note, we are neither court approved mediators nor child custody evaluators. We are not legal experts and are not trained in legal matters or proceedings. In conjoint co-parenting therapy, both parties must agree to release any records to any party. Any reports of specific interactions with an ex-spouse revealed in individual therapy with one co-parents is legally hearsay and is not supportive evidence in any court hearing. Pathways therapists will not prioritize or align themselves with one client over another. We are legally mandated reporters and must report any reported active or imminent potential risk to vulnerable populations including children and elders.