I have had some conversations recently about how challenging it is to raise teenagers. Another layer to the challenge is when parents are raising teenagers in separate households. Co-parenting teenagers presents a completely different set of challenges than children of other ages. The Unapologetic Art of Effectively Co-Parenting Teenagers In this article: Present a … [Read more...]
4 Proven Ways to Give Your Co-Parenting Communication Some Mojo
Not too long ago, I wrote about moves that would make people think that your co-parenting game was on point. When it wasn’t. Fake moves. In the long run, though, you want to drop the fake moves and create a genuine relationship built on trust, respect, and of course mutual love for your children. Where do you start? For some people, it comes rather easy. They just decide, … [Read more...]
3 Signs to Tell If You’re Co-Parenting or Just Trying to Get Your Boo Back
by Alexis Dobbins At KidsNeed2, I promote positive, peaceful co-parenting. I coach moms and dad to eliminate the drama, anger, shame and blame, and work on being the best positive parents ever. Together. And then one day I posted this pic on social media. I was surprised at the feedback; folks were tripping. Some people asked, “What does that mean?” A few people … [Read more...]
6 Tested Moves to Fake Positive Co-Parenting in Public!
by Alexis Dobbins We all know there are times when you and that other parent must be in the same place at the same time. Same place, space. For couples who had an argument before they left the house that morning, faking it is no big thing. They know that at some point they will get it together, whether it’s over a late-night snack, or at the breakfast table. If it was a … [Read more...]
Why You Need To Stop Feeling Guilty About What Your Child’s Father Isn’t Doing
My mom is 73 years old. Even at that age, she still expresses guilt about certain things that happened when we were kids. It breaks my heart to hear because I don’t think anyone should hold on to guilt and pain for that long. And, of course, it is especially painful to hear because she is my mother. I have told her time and time again that she did right by us. We were always … [Read more...]
My Co-Parenting Journey; Raising a Son When Dad Isn’t There
I am a divorcee and my son lives with me. Thankfully, Dad has been very involved in raising him over the years. I shared some of our marital journey and ultimately the end of our marriage my first book "It's My Life and I Live Here: One Woman's Story". Our son is now a pre-teen, and so the challenges have become more interesting. What has reassured me is the fact that I know … [Read more...]
10 Things Parents Do to Make Their Kids ‘Forever Dependents’
Is it just me, or does it seem that modern parents spoil the crap out of their kids? I'm sorry but if I see one more mom CARRYING a child that is bigger than she is, I'm gonna scream. If the child can walk, why isn't he/she walking? I've seen children that appear to be 6 or 7 years old being pushed in strollers. The child is so big that the feet are dragging the ground. … [Read more...]
Co-Parenting Through the Holidays: How to Cope When Your Kids are Away
This year, I'm celebrating the season solo. Oh, the joys of co-parenting! My ex is picking up our daughter mid-month. Although Thanksgiving somewhat prepared me for her time away from "mommy's house" as she calls it, her absence will still be felt. I'll miss her making mashed potatoes on her kid kitchen and pretending to fix a feast. I'll miss seeing her face light up like the … [Read more...]
Accidental Friends – Our Blended Family Story
I have this friend and I want to tell you about her. She is so super cool. I've known her for about 15 years. We met in my home town in Indiana. She is very kind and always helpful. She is a hardworking, God fearing Christian woman with her own catering business in Indianapolis. She refers to my son as "our son" and I love her daughter. In fact her daughter has spent the … [Read more...]
Blended Families Week: Dos and Don’ts to Parenting With Your Child’s Other Parents
My mother and my stepmother, whom my dad remarried when I was a teenager, call each other "wife-in-laws." Growing up, my father lived in a different state, so my stepmom would come into town without him. My mom, my stepmom, my siblings, and I would often go out to the mall or to eat, etc. I took for granted the fact that my mother and stepmother had a good relationship. I … [Read more...]
The Parenting Partnership: Does Playing Good Cop, Bad Cop Work?
Whether you are single or married, if you're a parent there is one other parent in this world you must build a healthy relationship with. It isn't always easy, even when you are married, to be on the exact same page all the time. My husband and I have slightly different parenting styles, and I must admit his way has garnered the most success. I would sometimes cringe at the … [Read more...]
Papa Bear Vs. Mama Bear
For me parenting has really been a learn-as-you-go process. It hasn't come easy, although I thought it would. The parenting/co-parenting relationship is something you can't totally prepare for or predict. You can plan with your spouse how you will raise your children, but until certain situations arise you can't always be so sure. The moment I became a mom a unique type of … [Read more...]