Is Your Coparenting Hurting Your Kids? What the Research Says with Dr. Don Gordon

In this conversation, Dr. Don Gordon, founder and the Executive Director of The Center for Divorce Education, discusses the complexities of co-parenting, particularly in the context of divorce. He highlights the importance of understanding loyalty conflicts, the impact of parental behaviors on children, and effective communication strategies for co-parents. Dr. Gordon emphasizes the need for self-regulation techniques for parents and the psychological effects of conflict on children. He also provides resources for co-parents to improve their relationships and parenting skills.Learn more about The Center for Divorce Education programs at: https://divorce-education.com/Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/lf1t9tbFeUwSubscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/Keywordsco-parenting, divorce, loyalty conflicts, child psychology, communication strategies, parental behavior, conflict resolution, emotional literacy, self-regulation, parenting resourcesKey TakeawaysThe absence of a biological father is a risk factor for delinquency.Loyalty conflicts can significantly affect children's emotional well-being.Parents often unknowingly put their children in loyalty binds.Teaching parents about their impact on children can motivate change.Effective communication is crucial in co-parenting relationships.Using 'I' messages can diffuse conflict between co-parents.Self-regulation techniques can help parents manage stress.Children's cortisol levels can be affected by parental conflict.Active listening fosters better communication with children.Resources are available to help co-parents navigate their challenges.Resources MentionedDr. Gordon’s Programs & Websites:Children in Between (4-hour co-parenting course) online.divorce-education.comHigh Conflict Solutions (for high-conflict co-parenting situations)highconflictsolutions.comChildren in Between for Kids (teaches kids ages 7-14 emotional literacy & self-regulation) childreninbetweenforkids.comParenting Wisely (general parenting skills program) FamilyWorksInc.comBooks & Experts Mentioned:No Bad Parts – Book by Dr. Richard Schwartz (focuses on inner healing and personal growth using the Internal Family Systems model)Dr. Warren Farrell – Expert on active listening and relationship-building strategiesChapters00:00 Introduction to Co-Parenting Challenges02:47 Understanding Loyalty Conflicts in Co-Parenting05:55 Identifying Unintentional Harmful Behaviors08:50 Effective Communication Strategies for Co-Parents11:52 Navigating High Conflict Co-Parenting Relationships15:36 The Impact of Conflict on Children19:45 Self-Regulation Techniques for Parents24:40 Focusing on Personal Growth and Accountability28:00 Communication Strategies for Children30:39 Leveraging Technology in Co-Parenting31:05 Resources for Co-Parents32:50 Introduction to Co-Parenting Beyond Conflict32:52 Understanding the Dynamics of Co-Parenting33:07 Introduction to the Podcast's Purpose33:10 Exploring Key Themes in the Conversation 33:33 Wrap Up & DisclaimerWhat if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond