Episode 197: How To Coparent Children With Developmental Challenges

My guest this week is Dr. Jenna Flowers In this episode, Dr. Jenna and I discuss how to be a conscious coparent.  Coparenting is challenging for many reasons and when there is a child with neurodevelopmental, behavioral, or mental health issues involved, it can often add another level of complexity. There are ways to approach coparenting that allow for better communication, emotional wellness, and healthier relationships for not only the adults involved, but for the kids as well. Dr. Jenna Flowers ​​is a psychologist and Family Therapist with a private practice in Newport Beach and is the Clinical Director of Mainspring Family Wellness, offering counseling services and parenting classes. She offers an online course for coparenting called coparentwell.com. She has written a book called The Conscious Parent's Guide to Coparenting, and is a court-appointed coparenting therapist in Orange County. Dr. Flowers is also the co-host of Mainspring Family Wellness podcast, discussing all things parenting and family wellness. She herself is a coparent to three children ages 20, 13, 10 and a bonus mom to a 15-year-old son, so she's got the personal as well as the professional experience. Jenna, welcome to the show. It's so great to have you here. Episode Takeaways: Introduction to Dr. Jenna Flowers & Coparenting … 00:01:21 Is Staying Together or Divorce Better for the Kids? … 00:07:30 Common Challenges Around Coparenting … 00:12:50 Staying “Partnered” as Parents but Not Romantically …  00:19:04 Idea of Conscious Coparenting … 24:33 An Unwilling Ex in Coparenting … 00:27:10 Strategies to Successfully Coparent … 00:30:45 Coparenting Therapy, Custody Arrangements & Avoiding Common Mistakes … 00:36:20 When Coparents are Not Working Together & Court Support … 00:43:00 Seeking Professional Support & Resources … 00:46:00 Connect with Dr. Nicole Beurkens: Instagram Facebook Drbeurkens.com