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Diane and Rick respond to a listener review that takes issue with the idea of giving difficult parents the benefit of the doubt. She wonders if that is encouraging further emotional abuse. They respond by explaining the difference between feeling a co-parent deserves the benefit and using it as simply a communication strategy for the child’s sake. For more info and in-depth information about our show, visit our web site at https://www.CPDilemmas.com To access the GAL article discussed on the sho...

Thomas from Ontario shares his dilemma about attending his toddler’s doctors appointments, while having to endure his co-parent’s drama or failure to inform him. Diane and Rick use the process outlined in their new journal (DRAGON) to unpack this complicated conflict and teach Thomas how to think differently about it. For more info and in-depth information about our show, visit our web site at https://www.CPDilemmas.com Want to know more about the DRAGON process? Order the Kindle version of the ...

Tamika from Alabama wonders why her co-parent persists in finding the bad in her, especially since she is trying so hard to be a good co-parent. Diane & Rick break it down and discuss how grieving parents or high conflict people use cognitive distortions as a strategy to get sympathy or attention. They also talk about the I Am Non-Impossible journal and an exciting series of episodes coming in November, called the Case from Hell. For a list of Cognitive Distortions discussed in this episode, see...

Diane & Rick address a listener question about 50/50 custody and the nightmare of keeping track of clothing between houses, as well as how difficult the schedule can be for kids of high-conflict co-parents. They also talk about the BIG REVEAL and how it will help co-parents learn to develop a habit around managing their conflicts. To PRE-ORDER the Kindle version of the I AM Non-Impossible journal for only $2.99 , go to this LINK . It will be delivered as an eBook on October 15th to those who pre...

Rhonda asks for advice about how to deal with a mom who is falsely accusing stepmom of abuse and who goes to extremes to destroy her life. Diane and Rick discuss various roles in the family system and how they need to be clear to protect the children. To listen to more episodes, head to Apple Podcasts ! Want to talk about this episode with Diane and other parents? Be part of the conversation on the NON-Impossibles Facebook group Connect with Diane and Rick: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter Ti...

A listeners wonders if it’s healthy to spend family time with her co-parent and her son, even though she considers her ex her enemy! If she keeps pretending to be nice, is that an insurance policy to keep him from taking her back to court? Diane and Rick explore the thin ice she might be walking on that assumes keeping up the facade will be sustainable in the long run. To listen to more episodes, head to Apple Podcasts ! Become a CPDilemmas VIP patron and get special perks, like $10 off the upco...

Diane & Rick pose a variety of questions, begging rational answers, about the role of Guardians ad litem in custody cases. Prompted by questions from a professional and a co-parent, they explore how professional delays and continuing court cases can do more harm than good. LINK for Georgia Rules for GALs To listen to more episodes, head to Apple Podcasts ! Want to talk about this episode with Diane and other parents? Be part of the conversation on the NON-Impossibles Facebook group Connect with ...

Diane & Rick address Patrick’s question about his fear of having structure and rules in his home. He worries that after a couple of years of being the fun house, setting rules now might make his house unattractive to the kids. Meanwhile, his co-parent is having to do the lion’s share of parenting and discipline, and she’s tired of it. Interestingly, both parents worry about losing the kids to the other, given their differences. To listen to more episodes, head to Apple Podcasts ! Want to talk ab...

Diane & Rick address Danielle’s dilemma about her co-parent trying to befriend her parents during the divorce process. She’s feeling stuck in the middle between her whining ex and her too-friendly parents. Also, discussed in this episode is adult children of parental alienation and the stories they have that might help professionals working with alienated children. If you have an alienation story to share, please join our AKA Survivors group . To listen to more episodes, head to Apple Podcasts !...

One of the most difficult situations co-parents have to deal with is when there are secrets kept between them. Secrets are usually pretty important topics and should probably be disclosed to the other co-parent, and if the children are involved in this secret, it creates a whole new layer of issues. Children can’t understand why secrets are kept, or why they’re being told to keep them. It puts them in the middle of the entire secret, and naturally they internalize the blame, which can be detrime...

Aaron asks an interesting email question about when it is best to reveal to a new dating partner that you have a very difficult co-parent. Diane & Rick not only address Aaron’s concerns, but talk about dating with children in general. Good co-parenting boundaries and protecting children from unnecessary loss are also explored. SOBERLINK is an ongoing sponsor of Co-Parent Dilemmas. If you are concerned about substance abuse issues with your co-parent, Soberlink can help. Follow this LINK to get a...

Rachel emails about various things her children report about their father’s house that she is not okay with. Diane and Rick explore the definition of good enough parenting and the importance of discerning the children’s feeling about what they report. To get a special discount on therapy through BetterHelp, visit www.BetterHelp.com/Dilemma Become a CPDilemmas VIP patron and support our work with co-parents. Visit our Patreon page to get special listener perks like VIP access to our monthly live...

This mid-week Bonus episode is an introduction to Bill and Jen Rogers’ podcast called Stepfamily Mission Possible . To listen to other episodes about blending families, find them on Apple podcasts or wherever you listen. To get a special discount on therapy through BetterHelp, visit www.BetterHelp.com/Dilemma Become a CPDilemmas VIP patron and support our work with co-parents. Visit our Patreon page to get special listener perks like VIP access to our monthly live Q&A sessions! Shop for cool NO...

Diane & Rick address Carolina’s email about her hateful ex-husband, who is remarried with a new baby five years after the divorce - but still has a major axe to grind with her even though she is trying to include him in major decisions. What causes some people to hang on to their vengeful attitudes many years after the divorce? Find out in this episode! To get a special discount on therapy through BetterHelp, visit www.BetterHelp.com/Dilemma Become a CPDilemmas VIP patron and support our work ...

Rodney has a two-year-old with his ex-girlfriend. He ended the relationship because she was constantly taunting him into a violent interchange, which he refused to do. Now, she won’t let him see the child unless he comes to her home, which makes him understandably wary. Diane & Rick talk about the dangers of being in close proximity to someone who is determined to end things in violence. For more info on father’s rights, as discussed in this episode, please visit The Father’s Rights Movement web...

Diane & Rick tackle some big questions they’ve been asked on social media that are common, but don’t have simple solutions. They attempt to give their best foundational assessment of each one, and get personal while they’re at it! To get a special discount on therapy through BetterHelp, visit www.BetterHelp.com/Dilemma Become a CPDilemmas VIP patron and support our work with co-parents. Visit our Patreon page to get special listener perks like VIP access to our monthly live Q&A sessions! Shop ...

Attorney, Lauren, emails about her client, who continually gives into his co-parent out of fear she will turn the kids against him. Lauren worries this is going to ruin his new marriage if he doesn’t stop catering to his ex. Diane & Rick talk about the risks of thinking this will fix her anger. Become a CPDilemmas VIP patron and support our work with co-parents. Visit our Patreon page to get special listener perks like VIP access to our monthly live Q&A sessions! To get a special discount on the...

Jake emails about how to get his co-parent to follow the weekly email protocol. He’s tired of answering her multiple texts each day and wants to have some peace. Diane & Rick discuss the importance of setting the boundary and staying consistent and kind until the other parent has no choice but to follow the structure. To access a sample court order for the email protocol discussed in this episode, click HERE. For a quick guide to how it works, CLICK HERE! Become a CPDilemmas VIP patron and suppo...

Diane & Rick answer Dena’s email questions about her alcoholic co-parent who tells their 9-year-old that the divorce is all mom’s fault. She is exhausted that he won’t listen to their co-parent counselor or take responsibility for his substance abuse issue. She is tired of adjusting to his lack of accountability and wonders how long she will have to keep adjusting. . If you are interested in using Soberlink , get $50 off y our device with this link . Become a CPDilemmas VIP patron and support ou...

Colin writes that his co-parent’s purposeful resistance to anything he wants or suggests is driving him nuts. He wonders how he will stand to deal with her for the next 15 years! Diane & Rick discuss how to prioritize issues and learn to give the other parent the opportunity first to correct a possible misunderstanding before attributing motives to her behavior or words. Become a CPDilemmas VIP patron and support our work with co-parents. Visit our Patreon page to get special listener perks like...

Diane and Rick talk about listener reviews and discuss what they learned in their trip to Chicago, attending the AFCC (Association for Family and Conciliation Courts ) annual conference. They report on themes learned at the conference about high-conflict divorce research and the need for divorce professionals to be appropriately trained before jumping into these complex cases. Click here to learn more about the short-film, Tommy (available on iTunes). Become a CPDilemmas VIP patron and support o...

Andy writes in about his alienated 16-year-old daughter and the hurt and pain of not having a relationship with her. He wonders if she is becoming a narcissist like her mom and if it would simply be better to give up on her. Diane & Rick discuss this very painful and difficult situation, offering advice about how to keep the door open without having to experience the constant rejection. Become a CPDilemmas VIP patron and support our work with co-parents. Visit our Patreon page to get special lis...

Judge Warren Davis, a Georgia County Superior Court judge, visits the show to discuss how he views narcissistic co-parents and the tactics he uses to sanction them when their controlling behavior is out of control. Diane & Rick share a listener’s email with the judge to get his insights from the bench. For more information about the High Conflict Institute discussed on the show, visit https://www.highconflictinstitute.com/ Information regarding the book, The Narcissistic Parent: A Guidebook for ...

Diane & Rick answer a listener’s question about co-parenting with someone she can’t stand. Is it possible to be a “good” co-parent when you have such negative feelings, or are the feelings simply part of the natural grief process? They also discuss her question about accessing the kids by phone while they are at the other parent’s home. Become a CPDilemmas VIP patron and support our work with co-parents. Visit our Patreon page to get special listener perks like VIP access to our monthly live Q&A...