The Couples Therapist Couch 229: Co-Parenting with Karen Bonnell
Feb 11, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Karen Bonnell, a seasoned psychotherapist and author, shares her insights on co-parenting. With 40 years of experience, she emphasizes the importance of prioritizing children's needs and fostering communication between parents. Karen explores the challenges of integrating new partners into stepfamilies and offers wisdom on managing emotions and expectations. She also highlights the significance of understanding developmental stages and building respectful relationships within blended families for a smoother transition.
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Separate Partnership from Parenting
- Focus on ending the intimate partnership aspect of the relationship, not the parenting one.
- Remember that you will always be parents, and that relationship is sacred.
Focus on Your Own Actions
- Focus on your own actions as a person and a parent.
- Be the best parent you can be, regardless of your co-parent's actions.
Seek Accurate Information
- One of the biggest challenges in co-parenting is finding accurate information.
- Avoid involving the legal system if possible, as it can escalate conflict.