Thoughtful planning is best protection against high-conflict parenting after divorce.

Hands down, the best way to protect your children from the well-researched negative impacts of a high-conflict divorce or parental break-up is to spend some time, energy, and yes, money with a neutral parenting specialist.

In the throes of a divorce or custody battle it is ever so tempting to either hand your destiny over to your attorney or your parenting partner or decide not to hire a parenting specialist because of added cost. Both options may seem relatively reasonable however; both decisions are typically problematic and may ultimately cost more over time than investing in a specialist at the start.

Taking the time to discuss all aspects of separate parenting (including boundaries, joint rules, communication, expenses, new partners, expectations and the like) BEFORE these issues become problems is one of the secrets of success. A parenting specialist is invaluable in helping each of you understand the common pitfalls, set reasonable expectations and create workable protocols.

The old adage, “you get what you pay for” comes to mind. While an experienced family law attorney may have handled hundreds of custody issues he/she is not (often) a child or parenting expert; and he/she is not an expert about your life or your children. Only you and your parenting partner are experts about your life and your children. You know better than anyone what will work for your family and when the dust settles, you and your family will have to live with the results. With neutral, professional assistance, most parents (even high conflict parents) are able to create workable parenting plans complete with expectations and behavioral guidelines.

Separate parenting is difficult at best and learning how to be effective after a divorce or break-up does not come naturally. It takes time, hard work and training. A qualified parenting specialist may come from a variety of backgrounds – such as a therapist, social worker, mediator, or even possibly an attorney. They don’t have to have personal experience with separate parenting but I believe that type of experience is highly beneficial (I’m biased of course). Regardless of their educational and professional background and expertise, a neutral and direct parenting consultant is worth their weight in gold because divorcing parents sometimes need to hear messages and receive guidance they would rather avoid or disregard.

Children Benefit when Parents take the “High Road” during Divorce

I am often asked by divorcing or separate parents, “WHY? Why should I take the high road?” or “When should I take the high road, before or after the legal battle ends?” My answer is always the same; you can never go wrong traveling on the high road. It is not always easy or enjoyable and sometimes it is impossible – but the payoff for a consistent effort is priceless for your children and that is reason enough to try in my opinion.

I am now a divorced parent of two teenagers. From the outside looking in, my married life seemed practically perfect in every way. In truth, it was a mess. Shortly after my youngest child was born I made a conscious decision to remain in my unhappy marriage; and I stayed unhappily married “for the sake of my children” for four more years before a marital crisis brought everything to a head. It took me years to realize that maintaining the illusion of a happy marriage was no more in my children’s best interests than neglectful parenting. Fear that my children would grow up believing that a happy marriage was like that marriage I had with their father finally drove me out. My therapist believes that the “crisis” saved my life…karma in action. Overtime, I have come to believe this too.

Our legal divorce spanned 2.5 years, was highly adversarial and cost a small fortune (six figures+). By the time it ended we were unable to parent without conflict and it took another 3 years to rebuild enough civility and trust to keep our kids out the middle of our on-going conflicts. Eight years after separation and ultimately divorce, we are able to effectively co-parent our children with minimal conflict. We worked hard to get there and we still have some pretty significant legal and financial issue between us – BUT we have figured out a way to separate those issues from parenting our children.

I will be eternally thankful that I married AND divorced my husband. Our kids are the positive outcome of our relationship and I would never have them were it not for my relationship with their father. AND, I am a better person, parent, and partner and friend today and that would not have been possible were it not for my journey through divorce. I went back to school, earned a Master’s degree, started a private practice doing work I love, found a new life-partner (added a bonus child) and have carved out a happy and fulfilling life. A life I am proud to model for my children. They know me and understand my values. They have a strong relationship with both their parents and they are well-adjusted. On the occasions I need to talk with my ex, I am almost immediately reminded of why we are not together (and I am sure he is too).

We’ve gone our separate ways – we’ve stopped trying to change each other and gave up trying to resolve our differences. And this is the secret of success.

Focus on that which you can control and leave the rest to sort itself out. Your child’s lot in life includes both of you…for better or worse. Your parenting partner must map his/her own journey. Behaving badly, saying negative things about you, or using the children as pawns will ultimately pound nails in his/her own coffin without any help from you. Your child will eventually see each of your behaviors for what they are and form their own opinion. Therefore, model the behaviors and values you want your child to learn and gently try to undo the damage caused by others as best you can without sacrificing your values. Someday, your children will reflect on both of your behaviors during this time and if you focus on your own and travel the sometimes difficult of the path of the “high road” you will see success. You will protect your children from the all too common long-lasting negative effects of parental conflict.

As my friend and colleague, Jerry Johnson says, Success in life (parenting) is not a destination, it’s a journey! Peaceful travels!

Amber is a divorce and parenting specialist in private practice in Burnsville, MN. She is also a divorced parent and step-parent of three children, ages 12-16.

amber@amsmediationplus.com | 952.252.1492

Mediation for Peaceful Co-Parenting

Trying to work on an agreement on your own is difficult and it can become messy. Letting the courts do it for you is expensive and it won’t always turn out well for either party. If your goals are getting the most out of the process and coming to a fair and peaceable resolution, the family and divorce mediation process makes the most sense. Mediators are good at creating an atmosphere where both parties feel comfortable. They will work with you to highlight a way that both parties can be satisfied with the outcome.

Custody Mediation is About the Children

The thought of dealing with custody mediation as a result of a divorce or custody dispute is overwhelming. A custody or parenting agreement can be emotionally difficult, but the most important thing to remember about mediation for custody and parenting is that everyone involved should be focusing on what is in the best interest of the child. It is not the time to place the parents’ needs over the child’s. The only emotions anyone should be focusing on are those of the child. Parents will have the opportunity to address their issues at the appropriate time.

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