Browse All Episodes

Listener Janelle wonders if it is okay to snoop on her child’s phone and worries that if the other parent finds out, he will be upset. Diane & Rick wonder why this is even a question and discuss the importance of managing phone use, regardless of who bought and pays for the phone. They go over the bullet points of their court order language for phone communication, as well as the need to talk to kids about the rules. Also discussed are the reasons kids sometimes don’t want to talk to a parent w...

Diane & Rick discuss the problem of others, like family, friends, and untrained professionals, guilting high-conflict co-parents into trying harder to “just get along”. They explore ideas on how to talk to kids about difficult subjects when one parent is incapable of discretion, putting the other parent in the position of having to help a child process the confusion. They remind listeners that real world high-conflict co-parenting doesn’t have quick, clean, or antiseptic answers. Time to sign up...

Time to sign up for our August workshop! How Do I Know My Child Will Be Okay? Pitfalls of living with an impossible co-parent August 17, 2023 at noon (EDT) https://lnkd.in/eTbSAMvT LET US KNOW WHAT YOU’D LIKE TO TALK ABOUT AT THE WORKSHOP. EMAIL US NOW! Want to talk about this episode with Diane and other parents? Be part of the conversation on the NON-Impossibles Facebook group To get a special discount on therapy through BetterHelp, visit www.BetterHelp.com/Dilemma If you are a professional ...

Diane & Rick address Cassie’s question about her step-son’s mother - who freezes him out if he acts like he had a good time with dad. They discuss the destructive nature of this type of emotional manipulation, as well as the consequences for his future relationships. Time to sign up for our August workshop! How Do I Know My Child Will Be Okay? Pitfalls of living with an impossible co-parent August 17, 2023 at noon (EDT) https://lnkd.in/eTbSAMvT LET US KNOW WHAT YOU’D LIKE TO TALK ABOUT AT THE WO...

Diane & Rick address Richard’s question about wanting more time with his son than his co-parent’s nanny gets. Discussed are the dangers of stereotypes and bias, the perils of making blankets statements, coming up with creative options when you don’t want to take it to court, and all kinds of other random info! Want to talk about this episode with Diane and other parents? Be part of the conversation on the NON-Impossibles Facebook group To get a special discount on therapy through BetterHelp, vi...

In this episode, Diane and Rick explore listener Deanne’s question about a co-parent who uses his religion to control and emotionally abuse the children. The hosts discuss how difficult it can be when extreme religious, cultural, political, and social views can make the co-parenting relationship radically stressful for a parent who may have similar values, but that are not taken to the extreme. Want to talk about this episode with Diane and other parents? Be part of the conversation on the NON-I...

Diane & Rick explore how some impossible co-parents interpret what is NOT in the parenting plan to exercise control and manipulation. They discuss examples they have had in their careers as well as read a Facebook post from listener Monique about phone calls with her child. Want to talk about this episode with Diane and other parents? Be part of the conversation on the NON-Impossibles Facebook group If you are a professional working with high-conflict co-parents, join our LinkedIn group. Find us...

Diane & Rick explore the subject of what to do when a child calls from the other home, complaining about your co-parent and seems distressed. How do you determine if it is serious or just venting? Do you stop answering after more than one call? Do you rescue your child or just validate their experience? The hosts break down this complicated issue into practical advice. Want to talk about this episode with Diane and other parents? Be part of the conversation on the NON-Impossibles Facebook group ...

A Reddit listener poses a common question about how to spend their first hour with a guardian ad litem in order to make a good impression. Diane & Rick discuss the weight of that responsibility and how stressful it can be. They pose several questions parents can ask of all court-ordered professionals that will guide them toward a productive relationship. Want to talk about this episode with Diane and other parents? Be part of the conversation on the NON-Impossibles Facebook group If you are a pr...

Diane & Rick address listener James’ question about the extremes his children experience between him and their mom. He is the relaxed parent and she is very rigid. Does it harm children to have such different parents? Do they need to be on the same page in a practical sense or is it good for the kids to experience the differences? Want to talk about this episode with Diane and other parents? Be part of the conversation on the NON-Impossibles Facebook group If you are a professional working with ...

Heather wonders how to talk to her 11-year-old son about her co-parent’s marijuana use. He’s asking a lot of detailed questions, and she wants him to be able to trust his instincts. Are there times when telling the truth is beneficial to your child? If so, what’s the best way to do it? Diane & Rick break it down. To learn more about the Center for Navigating Family Change, go to www.CNFC.org . Want to talk about this episode with Diane and other parents? Be part of the conversation on the NON-Im...

Diane & Rick explore the characteristics of “good” people who fall prey to coercively controlling partners. They discuss the need to emotionally manage the reaction of their partners, to be a good co-parent, and to be fully understood as the traps that are exploited by a narcissistic ex. They also role play a toxic interchange to explore how to shut down an unwanted conversation. Want to talk about this episode with Diane and other parents? Be part of the conversation on the NON-Impossibles Fac...

Diane &Rick answer Jennifer’s question about her co-parent letting the children watch rated “R” horror movies. They discuss the importance of not fighting against what is out of her control, but finding a way to show interest with the kids to start a meaningful conversation. Also discussed is how the anxious parent can be interpreted as controlling and their co-parent rebelling instead of using good common sense. Want to talk about this episode with Diane and other parents? Be part of the conver...

Diane & Rick welcome podcaster Karen McMahon on this episode to discuss Lauren’s email about co-parenting with her cheating ex. What is the expectation when you have been betrayed? How do you help your children who also may feel angry about it? Also discussed is the difference between a therapist and a coach. The three hosts discuss how to find good professionals in the midst of betrayal. To listen to Karen’s podcast, go to www.journeybeyonddivorce.com . She also facilitates a high-conflict di...

Jenny shares her frustration with her narcissistic co-parent, who would rather she disappear than exercise her parenting time. But Jenny isn’t giving up, despite her physical limitations due to a brain injury. Diane & Rick share powerful words of encouragement for Jenny and anyone who is willing to think of what children need instead of how to combat the narcissism. They remind listeners that custody does not equal good parenting. The ultimate boundary for Jenny has already been achieved. Want t...

Chris writes in and says things were going very well for him and his co-parent until he started dating seriously after several years post divorce. He did everything right, but now things have gone horribly wrong. What is happening to his co-parent relationship? Diane & Rick break it down. Want to talk about this episode with Diane and other parents? Be part of the conversation on the NON-Impossibles Facebook group BECOME a Patreon VIP and get special discounts on upcoming workshops and merchandi...

Diane & Rick address John’s email about how to help his 16-year-old son when he and the son are stuck between mom and step-mom’s conflict. Discussed in this episode are ways to build a relationship with a teen who isolates to avoid conflict and the importance of strengthening the marital bond to deal with the stresses of a blended family. Want to talk about this episode with Diane and other parents? Be part of the conversation on the NON-Impossibles Facebook group REGISTER FOR OUR 2023 VIRTUAL W...

How do you know when it’s a good idea to seek the court’s help with co-parenting issues? Diane & Rick discuss four things to consider as they process listener Jess’s questions about her uncooperative co-parent. She was hoping he would be more agreeable after divorce, but is finding that he shuts down every request, including moving from homeschooling to public education for their young daughter. Want to talk about this episode with Diane and other parents? Be part of the conversation on the NON-...

Kelvin rants about how his narcissistic co-parent steals his credit as a parent and is constantly inserting herself into his life. He asks what he should do with all of his anger. Diane & Rick explore managing expectations, finding humor in the narcissist personality, and visualization techniques to manage negative emotions in the present. Want to talk about this episode with Diane and other parents? Be part of the conversation on the NON-Impossibles Facebook group REGISTER FOR OUR 2023 VIRTUAL ...

Eva emails the show and asks how to move forward with the love of her life and maintain both of their children’s school and activity schedules. The issue is, they live 90 minutes apart from one another. In order to move in together, they either must get their co-parents to agree to a custody change or put their dreams on hold. Diane & Rick discuss the importance of prioritizing children’s needs even if that means putting personal desires aside for a time. Want to talk about this episode with Dia...

Bethany calls in with a frustrating dilemma, and Jeff emails about a similar frustration. Diane & Rick discuss how difficult it is to be placed in a position of choosing your own peace vs. your child’s emotional welfare. This seemingly impossible dilemma is quite common among high conflict co-parents, and it requires a logical view of multiple variables to makes sense of what feels senseless. Want to talk about this episode with Diane and other parents? Be part of the conversation on the NON-Imp...

Therapist Carol poses a question about a client’s narcissistic co-parent, who apparently wants to buy his 14-year-old’s love. Diane & Rick explore the complications of weaning from the parent/child bond in the teen years, as well as what to say to the teen, and maybe the other parent about this so-called promise. Want to talk about this episode with Diane and other parents? Be part of the conversation on the NON-Impossibles Facebook group REGISTER FOR OUR 2023 VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS! Coming soon: Fri...

Gary wonders what custody plan can work for his two young children, given that their mother plans to move in with someone she had an affair with, who is a foster parent to four children. Diane & Rick discuss how to manage living in the same house during an angry divorce process and what to do when you have no faith the other parent will step up and be responsible. Want to talk about this episode with Diane and other parents? Be part of the conversation on the NON-Impossibles Facebook group REGIS...

A listener wonders if an infant should have overnight visits with the father while she is breastfeeding. Diane and Rick explore this common concern and discuss what is important at this tender age of development. For a deeper look into what the research says about parenting plans and very young children, follow this LINK . Want to talk about this episode with Diane and other parents? Be part of the conversation on the NON-Impossibles Facebook group REGISTER FOR OUR 2023 VIRTUAL WORKSHOPS! Coming...