Frequently, parents reach out to me because they feel they and their children are being manipulated by their co-parent. Such behavior can leave you feeling vulnerable, exhausted, and defeated.

If your co-parent is hellbent on derailing your well-intended co-parenting efforts, what do you do? Is there anything you can do?

As a parent, you have rights. If you long to reclaim your parental rights and put an end to co-parenting manipulation, read on. You can redirect this damaging behavior back to a place of respect and protect your rights and the rights of your child.

Before we get into dealing with your co

I know it sounds good on the surface. You and your co-parent can’t communicate but you need to. So you ask parents, siblings, or close friends to help mediate your interactions with each other. What’s wrong with that? Don’t they say it takes a village to raise a child?

Well, let me put it this way, bringing in loved ones to handle your messy communications is akin to the alcoholic who leans on family and friends to solve their disfunctions. Those loved ones are referred to as codependents. More on that in a minute.

When parents separate, it’s tempting to believe that what happens to your former partner is no longer your concern. Emotionally, legally, and logistically, many parents feel they have closed that chapter of their lives. The divorce is final. The households are separate. Each parent is responsible for their own choices and consequences.

I am a huge advocate for collaborative co-parenting and honestly believe that most parents can achieve it with the right mindset and by treating their co-parent the way they wish to be treated. While it happens at varying speeds, most parents eventually graduate from hostile interactions they may have engaged in during the divorce to relative civility once the legal proceedings are behind them.

Over time, most parents release at least some of their hurt, anger, and disappointment toward their former partner. They swallow their pride, learn to pick their battles, and accept that they can’t control everything in order to keep the peace.

Not a day go by without at least one co-parent coaching client telling me their co-parent is a narcissist. It has to be the most common adjective parents in conflict use when describing each other. But…

What is a Narcissist?

First, Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a recognized mental health condition. If you do a quick internet search, the clinical definition involves a person who has…

• an exaggerated view of their self-importance / arrogance

• a profound lack of empathy

• and a sense of entitlement / lack of accountability

Let’s be honest. Not every divorced parent can co-parent with a former partner. It sounds great—working together, communicating calmly, putting the kids first. But what happens when your ex treats co-parenting like a courtroom or an opportunity to abuse you?

That’s where parallel parenting can be a viable option. And while it can be a lifesaver in some situations, it’s not the gold standard—it is better reserved as either the last resort or the only choice.

Co-parenting can be incredibly challenging, especially when emotions are still raw or trust is low. But with the right tools, it’s possible to reduce conflict, stay organized, and build a more collaborative relationship—even if your co-parent isn’t quite there yet.

Technology won’t solve every issue, but the right app can give you a framework for healthier communication, better coordination, and clearer documentation. Below is a list of helpful co-parenting apps to support you in that effort. These are listed in no particular order, and each serves a different need depending on your situation.

Graduation season is here! As a parent, you may be experiencing a mix of emotions as you approach your child’s high school graduation. On one hand, you may be excited to shuffle them off to college and regain some time for yourself, especially if you’re about to become an empty nester. It’s okay to feel this way. You’ve worked hard to raise them to this point.

On the other hand, you may be dreading the end of this chapter. No more school events to attend. No more socializing with other parents at these events. Plus, your influence over your child’s choices will lessen. Yet, you’ll worry just as much and maybe more now that so many decisions they make will be adult in nature. Later in this article, we’ll cover how to prepare for your child’s transition.