077: "Affirmative" Coparenting - Yes it's Possible! - with expert Allen Levy

Allen Levy, master's level psychologist and shared parenting educator, returns to the Children First Family Law Podcast for a conversation that goes well beyond the courtroom. Krista picks up where their last episode left off — exploring what it really takes for co-parents to function as professional colleagues, even when the relationship that brought them together has ended. Al introduces his Affirmative Arts framework: a practical philosophy built around affirmative communication, emotional self-management, and the discipline of focusing on what you will do rather than what you can't, won't, or don't. The conversation covers dangerous words that quietly ignite conflict — including "should have," "why," and even "best interest" — and how small shifts in language can change everything. Al also shares details on his upcoming shared parenting curriculum, designed to give parents, attorneys, and mental health professionals a concrete, affordable tool for doing the job of co-parenting right. In this episode, you will hear: The "job share" model of co-parenting and what it requires post-separation Al's Affirmative Arts framework: a practical philosophy for communication and agency Dangerous words that trigger conflict, including "should have," "why," "try," and "best interest" The difference between output and outcome, and why focusing on what you control matters Assertive communication as a boundary tool — stating what you will do, not what they should do How the shared parenting curriculum helps attorneys manage high-conflict clients and build stronger cases Al's upcoming online course — self-paced and affordable for parents, attorneys, and mental health professionals Resources from this Episode Online course by Al Levy: https://defusedivorce.com/programs?program=1746038048335x737946041885731300 Affirmative Arts -- https://affirmativearts.com/ www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation.  Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.