Real world strategies to co-parent like a pro
Co-Parenting For Dummies shows you how to build a rock-solid foundation for your kids, no matter what your relationship looks like right now. You'll discover proven approaches that actually work in the messy, complicated world of real lifeall centered on improving communication between co-parents and working together instead of against each other. Plus, you'll learn how to handle those inevitable clashes over different parenting styles and master stress-reduction strategies for navigating holidays, weddings, and other special events. The book also covers essential self-care strategies to keep you sane and expert guidance on designing workable parenting plans tailored to your children's specific needs.
Youll also find:
Strategies for crafting a co-parenting plan that actually sticks Smart tactics for diffusing tension (without losing your mind) Practical ways to blend different parenting approaches Expert guidance on integrating new partners and extended family
Whether you're fresh out of a breakup, deep in divorce proceedings, or just trying to figure out this whole co-parenting thing, Co-Parenting For Dummies gives you the tools to turn cooperation from impossible dream into everyday reality.
INTRODUCTION 1
About This Book 3
Foolish Assumptions 4
Language Used in This Book 4
Icons Used in This Book 5
How This Book Is Organized 5
Part 1: Building the Foundation 6
Part 2: Making Co-Parenting Work Day to Day 6
Part 3: Finding Balance 6
Part 4: Managing Special Occasions and Child-Centered Milestones 6
Part 5: The Part of Tens 7
Beyond the Book 7
PART 1: BUILDING THE FOUNDATION 9
CHAPTER 1: Understanding What Co-Parenting Means 11
CHAPTER 2: Setting the Stage for Collaborative Co-Parenting 21
CHAPTER 3: Establishing Co-Parenting Goals and Designing a Collaborative Plan
35
CHAPTER 4: Communicating Effectively 55
PART 2: MAKING CO-PARENTING WORK DAY TO DAY 73
CHAPTER 5: Accepting the Back-and-Forth Lifestyle 75
CHAPTER 6: Dating After a Breakup 85
CHAPTER 7: Establishing Parenting Plans 107
CHAPTER 8: Child and Spousal Support 139
CHAPTER 9: Forming Your Co-Parenting Team 147
PART 3: FINDING BALANCE 171
CHAPTER 10: Making Both Homes Safe Places 173
CHAPTER 11: Helping Your Children Cope with Your Breakup 201
CHAPTER 12: Coping with Your Own Stress 217
PART 4: MANAGING SPECIAL OCCASIONS AND CHILD-CENTERED MILESTONES 237
CHAPTER 13: Enjoying Holidays and Child-Centered Milestones 239
CHAPTER 14: Making a New Commitment, and Planning the Festivities 261
CHAPTER 15: Supporting Children of Co-Parents When They Commit or Marry 285
PART 5: THE PART OF TENS 297
CHAPTER 16: Ten Rules of Good Ex Etiquette 299
CHAPTER 17: Ten Practical Resets 305
INDEX 309
Jann Blackstone, PsyD, is a retired Superior Court Child Custody Recommending Counselor (mediator), currently in private practice, who specializes in conflict resolution and cooperative co-parenting. She is the founder of Bonus Families, a nonprofit supporting separated parents in their effort to co-parent, and author of Ex-Etiquette for Parents and The Bonus Family Handbook.
