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:

• Both parents together telling the children about the separation and/or divorce.

• 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.

• Knowing what to say, and not to say, to your child about separation and divorce.

• The importance of being honest with your child.

• 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.

• The how and when of introducing your child to your new residence, which should be done slowly and in stages.

• 
Coping with child support and other money issues.

• 
Handling the holidays and special family occasions
.

• Choosing and adjusting to new schools
.

• The when and how of introducing your child to a potential new partner.


• 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)