Rosalind Sadacca, a certified Divorce Coach and the mastermind behind the Child Centered Divorce Network, dives headfirst into the emotional whirlpool that is divorce, especially when kids are in the mix. The conversation kicks off with her sharing the heartbreaking yet relatable story of her own divorce journey, where she struggled for years to avoid 'the talk' with her son, only to realize that the tension was affecting him more than the divorce itself. She emphasizes the importance of early intervention and open communication, saying, "The earlier you get involved in the process, the smoother it can be." Rosalind's insights are not just anecdotal; they stem from years of experience helping parents navigate the treacherous waters of divorce while keeping children's best interests at heart. Throughout the episode, she offers practical advice on how to approach those dreaded conversations about divorce with kids, underscoring that it's crucial for parents to be role models and to foster an environment where children can express their feelings without fear of judgment. As the discussion unfolds, Rosalind highlights the crucial role of respect and co-parenting, reminding everyone that respect is the golden rule when it comes to parenting post-divorce. She warns against the dangers of badmouthing the other parent, explaining how detrimental it can be for a child's emotional health. The conversation takes an even deeper dive as Rosalind discusses how to handle situations where arguments or disagreements arise between parents. Her advice? Always keep the children out of the crossfire. She suggests using written communication when necessary, particularly in contentious situations, to prevent toxic dynamics from affecting the kids. Rosalind’s warm and encouraging demeanor, paired with her wealth of knowledge, provides listeners with a treasure trove of tools to navigate the complexities of co-parenting. To wrap it all up, Rosalind reminds us that the ultimate goal is to ensure children feel loved by both parents. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that while divorce is tough, it doesn’t have to spell disaster for the kids involved. With the right mindset and approach, parents can turn a painful situation into an opportunity for growth and resilience, and that’s a message everyone can take to heart.

Takeaways:

1. Divorce can be super tough, but prioritizing child-centric communication helps ease the transition for everyone involved, especially the kiddos.
2. Being a respectful co-parent means avoiding negative talk about your ex in front of the kids – they love both parents and should never feel guilty about it!
3. Apologizing to your child when you've made a mistake can teach them about responsibility and forgiveness, laying down some serious life skills for the future.
4. Early intervention in a divorce situation can prevent a mountain of mistakes and emotional baggage for the children, so don’t wait too long to seek help or coaching.

A gift from our guest: Doing Co-Parenting Right: Success Strategies For Avoiding Painful Mistakes (ebook)

https://www.childcentereddivorce.com/book

Rosalind Sedacca, CDC is recognized as The Voice of Child-Centered Divorce. She is a Divorce & Co-Parenting Coach and founder of the Child-Centered Divorce Network which provides advice, programs, coaching and other valuable resources for parents who are facing, moving through or transitioning after a divorce. She is