From my perspective, the only goals of the parenting consultant process are to reduce conflict and increase your effectiveness as separate parents. This is what your children need and deserve; this is what is in their best interests.

A PC’s job is to help you resolve your parenting disputes, establish clear boundaries and create guidelines which will allow you to parent with less conflict and (ideally) without the need for third party intervention.

A PC focuses on what is in the best interests of your children which is not always the same as what you may want for your children or believe is best for your children. The goal of this process is NOT to ensure parental fairness, correct past wrongs or otherwise vindicate either parent.

At first, having a PC may seem like a welcome cure for a difficult and conflicted parenting relationship. This opinion often wanes as you realize that your PC is not a miracle worker and after you spend hundreds and sometime thousands of dollars on a process that was supposed to help but mostly just falls short of your expectations and feels unfair. At about the time you throw your hands up in disgust and defeat, your PC begins hoping for success. Why? Because your PC knows that most conflicted parents need to hit rock bottom before they are able hear and accept the difficult recommendations that will allow them to create a low-conflict and effective separate parenting relationship.

It is important for each of you to understand that effectiveness as separate parents does not require 100% agreement, mutual understanding, respect, forgiveness or even frequent communication. It requires being emotionally disengaged, business-like communication, clear boundaries, reasonable (and often times lowered) expectations and adherence to established protocols.

On the surface, these goals may seem relatively easy to achieve and most of my clients actually agree that they “should” be able to achieve these objectives. Unfortunately, the “should” mostly applies to the other parent (who is mostly to blame, can’t be trusted and has malicious intentions). Realistically, even if one parent contributes more than an equal share of damaging behaviors – in order to be successful, both parents will need to change how they respond to each other’s comments and behaviors as well as make changes in their own communication and behavior.

When you are ready, a Parenting Consultant can help provide a framework for success – you and your parenting partner need to do all the work to achieve your goals and get your children out of the middle of your conflict. Your children will be forever grateful when you succeed!

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 16-12.
amber@amsmediationplus.com | 952.252.1492

A MESSAGE FROM AMS, LLC - RE: COVID-19

The safety of clients, ourselves, and colleagues is our top priority while we remain available to assist you as you navigate the new and uncharted territory caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

 

Offering All Services Virtually

While providing virtual ADR services was not part of our plan, we have made the necessary accommodations to ensure we can continue to serve our clients during these unsettling times. All services are currently available through virtually. We are using Zoom for videoconferencing. We suggest that you download this app to your phone or the program to your computer at https://zoom.us/download.

 

Limited In-Person Services

We have resumed limited in-person services for sessions with 1 or 2 participants scheduled for a maximum of 2 hours. Masks are required in our building and in session. Availability is subject to change based on local regulations and CDC guidelines.

 

Office Hours

Our office hours remain the same and we remain available by phone and email. The main office number is 952.252.1492. Gabe can be reached via email at gabe@amsmediationplus.com.

 

New Clients Welcome

We offer free 1-hour divorce consultations via Zoom. Potential PC and PTE clients are invited to schedule a free 15-minute phone call. Please call 952.252.1492 to set up an appointment. We are here to help!

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all continue to adapt to these rapidly changing and chaotic times. Stay strong, stay resilient, and stay healthy!

 

Sincerely,
Amber Serwat & Gabe Frye
ADR Professional & ADR Assistant

Divorce Mediation & Dispute Resolution Services - Amber Serwat Mediation

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