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Latest Episode: S4:E2:
When Kids Feel Responsible for the Divorce

Many children quietly wonder if their parents’ divorce happened because of something they did. In this episode, we talk about why kids often blame themselves for family breakups and how parents can help remove that emotional burden.

S4:E1: The Hidden Impact of Parental Conflict on Kids’ Identity

In this episode of Co-Parenting Conversations, Mike and Jaimie explore how chronic parental conflict affects a child’s developing identity. Children often experience loyalty conflicts, confusion about belonging, and threats to self-worth when they feel caught between parents. Over time, these pressures can disrupt emotional development and a child’s sense of safety in both households.

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S3:E10: The High Conflict Diversion Program – with Brook Olsen

Brook Olsen, founder of the High Conflict Diversion Program, shares strategies for reducing conflict, protecting children, and moving toward healthier co-parenting after divorce. Learn about parallel parenting, cooperative parenting, parental alienation, substance abuse challenges, and how forgiveness and emotional attunement can transform high-conflict situations.

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S3:E9: Why “I” Messages Work – And How to Use Them

In this episode of Co-Parenting Conversations, we break down one of the most powerful (and simple) communication skills we teach in our programs: the “I” message. Learn how to say what you feel without starting an argument, how to model this skill for your children, and how just a few small changes in how you speak can reduce defensiveness, improve cooperation, and keep the focus where it belongs... on your kids.

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S3:E8: What Is a Best Interest Attorney? - Interview with Krista Nash

In this episode of Co-Parenting Conversations, we sit down with Krista Nash, a best interest attorney who represents children in high-conflict custody disputes. Krista shares what her role looks like inside and outside the courtroom, the emotional toll litigation takes on children, and how families can move toward healthier, child-focused solutions.

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S3:E7: How Divorce and Separation Impact Children at School

Explore how divorce and separation can disrupt a child’s ability to learn, focus, and thrive in school. From emotional stress to unstable routines and financial strain, the conversation highlights key factors that affect children’s academic performance and what parents and educators can do to help.

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S3:E6: Real Parent Comments, Real Impact

In this special episode of Co-Parenting Conversations, Jaimie and Mike share real feedback from parents who recently completed the Children in Between Online course. You’ll hear honest, thoughtful reflections from parents who are using the tools they learned to improve communication, reduce conflict, and protect their children from emotional harm.

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S3:E5: Parenting Plans That Put Kids First

In this episode of Co-Parenting Conversations, Jaimie is joined by CDE's Operations Manager, Mike Eubanks, and Executive Director, Dr. Don Gordon. They explore the gap between legal compliance and emotional support, explain why parent-created plans lead to better outcomes, share tools for maintaining consistency across households, outline what to include and avoid, and highlight warning signs that a plan may not be serving the child’s best interests.

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S3:E4: Navigating the Realities of Single Parenting

In this episode, we explore the emotional and practical challenges of single parenting after divorce or separation. We discuss common stressors like financial strain, time management, and inconsistent routines—and offer realistic strategies to help parents reduce chaos and build stability. Whether you're newly separated or years into your single parenting journey, this episode offers validation, support, and hope.

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S3:E3: The Five Stages Kids Go Through During Divorce

This episode explores the five emotional stages many children experience during and after divorce: Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance. Guided by expert insight from Dr. Donald Gordon, the discussion highlights how these stages may show up differently for each child—and how parents can respond with empathy and clarity.

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S3:E2: Blended Families and Step-Parenting Dynamics

Blending families isn’t easy — especially when new relationships, step-parents, and former partners are all involved. In this episode of the Co-Parenting Conversations Podcast, we explore the emotional and practical challenges of forming a blended family and offer proven tips for making it work.

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S3:E1: Stress Reduction - Practical Techniques to Calm Your Mind and Body

In this episode, Dr. Donald Gordon joins us to explore simple, effective stress reduction techniques for parents navigating the challenges of co-parenting. From deep breathing and cold water stimulation to tapping (EFT), and the power of "glimmers," this episode offers actionable strategies to help parents stay calm, regulate emotions, and support their families through difficult moments.

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S2:E10: Creating Holiday Parenting Plans that Work for Everyone

In this episode, we dive into the importance of creating clear holiday parenting plans for separated families. We give practical tips for structuring plans to minimize misunderstandings, and Dr. Gordon discusses how holiday transitions affect children emotionally. Whether you’re newly separated or looking to refine your approach, this episode provides guidance for a harmonious holiday experience.

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S2:E9: Why Instructional Design Matters for Co-Parenting Programs

In this episode, Jaimie talks with Dr. Don Gordon and Mike Eubanks, M.Ed., about the crucial role instructional design plays in making co-parenting programs effective and memorable. Mike introduces Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction, explaining how each step—from gaining attention to enhancing retention—supports parents in absorbing and applying essential co-parenting skills.

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S2:E8: Keeping Kids Out of the Middle

In this episode, we tackle the common challenges co-parents face when emotions run high—putting down the other parent and questioning children about the other household. Learn how to prioritize your child’s well-being, foster open communication between co-parents, and avoid loyalty conflicts that can harm your child’s emotional development.

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S2:E7: Navigating Social Media and Technology Across Two Households

In this episode, Dr. Gordon addresses how co-parents can manage technology and social media between two households, offering practical strategies to protect children’s development. Discover how excessive screen use can impact sleep, social skills, and mental health, and learn how to set consistent boundaries and encourage offline activities.

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S2:E6: Benefits of the Children in Between Program

Explore how the Children in Between online program helps divorcing or separating parents reduce conflict and stress while improving co-parenting skills. With proven methods like "I" messages and active listening, parents can foster healthier relationships with their co-parent and children.

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S2:E5: Overcoming Cheating and Self-Care After Divorce

In this episode, we explore overcoming the emotional challenges of infidelity after divorce or separation and offer practical advice on self-care, maintaining a healthy relationship with your children, and resisting the urge to use them in conflicts with your ex-partner.

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S2:E4: Accountability and Improved Communication with Stephen Nixon

Dr. Don welcomes special guest Stephen Nixon, family law attorney and founder of the Talking Parents app, to discuss how accountability and improved communication can reshape co-parenting dynamics. Learn how transparent and productive interactions between co-parents can reduce stress, save money on court and attorney costs, and foster healthier relationships between co-parents.

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S2:E3: General Parenting Tips and Managing Screen Time

In this episode, Dr. Gordon offers advice on managing your child's screen time, handling kids acting up in public, and encouraging them to help with household chores. Packed with practical tips, this discussion provides advice for navigating these common parenting challenges and creating a balanced, cooperative home environment.

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S2:E2 - Attuning to Children's Feelings and Managing Stress

In this episode, Dr. Gordon discusses the importance of attuning to your children's feelings amidst the stresses of modern life. This conversation is essential for co-parents seeking to create a supportive environment at home, even in challenging times.

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S2:E1 - Back To School Tips For Co-Parents

Back-to-school can be stressful for parents and kids, especially during or after a divorce or separation. In this episode, Dr. Don gives some helpful tips for reducing your child's stress during this time.

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S1:E10 - Dealing With A Narcissist

A narcissist lacks empathy. How do you navigate co-parenting issues with a narcissist? In this episode, Dr. Don gives some helpful tips for communicating with a narcissistic co-parent.

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S1:E9 - High Conflict Divorce and Separation

Most divorces and separations have at least some conflict. But about 10–20% of breakups are considered high conflict cases and require court intervention. How well co-parents handle the breakup will affect children’s pain, how their needs are met, and how their future unfolds.

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S1:E8 - Using Money as Leverage

After divorce or separation, money usually becomes tighter for both parents. Many support-paying parents resent having no say over how the money is spent, particularly if they think the children are not getting their needs met.

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S1:E7 - Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Score

An Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) score is an inventory of different types of abuse, neglect, and other indicators of childhood trauma. A high ACE score increases your risk for problems later in life.

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S1:E6 - Grandparents

Grandparents play an important role in the raising of healthy kids, especially in co-parenting situations. Grandparents can help reduce the stress on parents during and after divorce and separation. Parents and grandparents can learn new skills by using the Parenting Wisely programs.

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S1:E5 - Expressing Feelings and Kids' Mental Health

How can parents and professionals help reduce the effects of the mental health crisis in today’s kids? Dr. Don gives tips on kids expressing and understanding feelings, and introduces the latest program from The Center for Divorce Education, Children in Between: For Kids.

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S1:E4 - Holiday Tips for Co-Parents

The holidays are important and stressful times for families going through separation and divorce. How do you shield kids from stress? In this episode, Dr. Don gives some helpful tips for navigating the holidays as co-parents.

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S1:E3 - Parent Dropout

What happens when one parent drops out of a child’s life after a divorce or separation? We discuss some of the reasons for parents dropping out, and Dr. Don gives suggestions for co-parents navigating this difficult transition.

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S1:E2 - Lying to Your Child

In this episode, we discuss the implications of lying to your children about your co-parent, and bring on Dr. Don to introduce skills for avoiding this common problem for divorcing and separating parents.

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S1:E1 - Introduction

Join Dr. Donald Gordon and co-host Jaimie MacArthur as they introduce “Dr. Don’s” credentials and background, the founding of The Center for Divorce Education, and some interesting facts about children and divorce.

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court approved parenting classes

CDE's Children in Between is a skills based program that helps children and parents deal with the children's reactions to divorce. This is the most highly recommended online parenting class in the United States.

The program is based on research that identifies the most common and stressful loyalty conflicts experienced by children of divorce. 

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