#80 | Dr. Jann Blackstone | What Most Parents Get Wrong After Divorce (and How to Fix It)

Divorce doesn’t end parenting—it transforms it. Are you doing it right?In this powerful episode of The 4 Habits Podcast, Dr. Andrea and Jon are joined by co-parenting and blended family expert Dr. Jann Blackstone. With decades of experience in family mediation and as founder of Bonus Families, Jann has helped thousands of parents navigate the emotional minefield of post divorce parenting—and raise thriving children in the process. Jann unpacks the biggest mistakes parents make after separation, introduces her practical CARE framework, and offers a complete reframe on “stepfamilies” through the lens of bonus families—a mindset that focuses on gain, not loss. If you’ve ever felt stuck in conflict with an ex, unsure how to blend families, or worried about the impact on your kids, this conversation is your roadmap to a more peaceful, child-focused path forward.📌 EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS (Timestamps): 00:00 – Is your co-parenting hurting your kids?01:00 – Meet Dr. Jann Blackstone: Mediator. Mom. Bonus family pioneer.03:00 – The CARE framework: 4 habits for healthy co-parenting05:45 – The #1 mindset shift divorced parents need08:00 – Badmouthing explained—and why it’s more damaging than you think11:10 – Why being “right” isn’t worth your child’s peace14:25 – From reaction to intention: parenting as your best self17:55 – “You’re not my ex. You’re my co-parent now.”21:00 – Scripts to reduce conflict and foster empathy24:10 – Why the word “step” was never enough—and how “bonus” changed everything28:30 – Blending families starts with acceptance, not control34:15 – The legacy moment: How do you want your kids to remember this?🔗 NEXT STEPS A) Take Action – Connect with Dr. Jann Blackstone:– Website: www.bonusfamilies.com– LinkedIn: Dr. Jann Blackstone– Facebook: Bonus Families– Book: The Bonus Family Handbook – On Amazon: https://a.co/d/cjqKnbJ B) StayConnected for More Episodes:– Watch on YouTube: @The4Habits– Listen on Spotify: The 4 Habits Podcast C) Learn and Share:– Take the FREE Relationship Skills Quiz: http://the4habitsquiz.scoreapp.com– Join the Unlocking Performance & Profitability Masterclass: https://the4habits.com/topteams– GET OUR BOOK: https://the4habits.com/book/#BonusFamily #CoParenting #DivorceDoneRight #HealthyRelationships #BlendedFamilies #The4Habits #The4HabitsPod