Practical Advice for Successful Co-Parenting
Dr. Edward Farber, a licensed Clinical Psychologist in Virginia and Maryland, and a partner at the Reston Psychological Center, recently published a book titled “Raising the Kid you Love with the Ex you Hate.” Based on his years of experience, Dr. Farber’s book offers practical advice for successful co-parenting. This book will tell you the why's and the how's of:
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Both parents together telling the children about the separation and/or divorce.
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Determining the right time for you and your spouse to inform the children about your separation and divorce. Over the weekend and in the early afternoon is a good time so that there can be several conversations throughout the day. A conversation at bedtime is not a good idea unless you want your child to be up all night.
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Knowing what to say, and not to say, to your child about separation and divorce.
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The importance of being honest with your child.
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The importance of providing concrete information about how the separation will affect the child's daily and weekly routine, but not providing too many specifics that may overwhelm the child.
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The how and when of introducing your child to your new residence, which should be done slowly and in stages.
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Coping with child support and other money issues.
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Handling the holidays and special family occasions .
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Choosing and adjusting to new schools .
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The when and how of introducing your child to a potential new partner.
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Co-parenting when an ex has a personality disorder, addiction problem, or is a bully.
- Raising a healthy child while co-parenting.
I highly recommend this book to clients who have children and are contemplating or in the process of a separation or divorce. And, despite the title, I recommend this book for all clients, not just those in a high conflict divorce and co-parenting situation.
To read more reviews about this book click here and here.
(07/29/13)