Kids First Co-Parenting with Dr. Royster

Dr. Karalynn Royster delves into the impact of gaslighting and manipulation on children in high-conflict co-parenting situations. The podcast introduces the Anchor Method as a framework for supporting children and reinforcing their self-trust in challenging family dynamics.TakeawaysGaslighting and manipulation impact children's sense of realityThe Anchor Method provides a framework for supporting children in high-conflict co-parenting situationsMistakes and areas where the anchor method goes wrongGaslighting and manipulation in co-parentingThe Anchor method for supporting childrenValidation techniques for kids in high conflictStrategies to build self-trust in children (the ANCHOR METHOD)Handling parental conflict and maintaining boundariesChapters:00:00 Understanding Gaslighting in Parenting00:50 I was gaslit....02:42 The ANCHOR Method04:15 What actually is gaslighting?06:43 Strategies for Addressing Manipulation07:38 Validation is important08:58 The ANCHOR Method09:38 A-Ask12:01 N-Name14:54 Kids First Membership15:31 C-Confirm20:14 H-Holding21:37 O-offer23:27 R-Reinforce Self-Trust25:21 Common Mistakes in Implementing the Anchor Method31:27 Introduction and DisclaimerDownload the free ANCHOR Method guide to learn the five steps that help protect your child from gaslighting without putting them in the middle.If you want deeper support, join the Kids First Membership for tools, coaching, and practical strategies to navigate high conflict co-parenting.This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health treatment, legal advice, or professional services. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapist client relationship. If you need individualized support, please consult a qualified mental health or legal professional.

Send a textWhen the floor drops out after a separation, most parents don’t need platitudes; they need a lifeline. We sit down with Joy Reed from the National Association for Single and Divorced Families to unpack a practical, AARP‑style model built for families: national mediation you can trust, real childcare discounts with priority placement, mental health sessions that actually start the healing, and vetted financial advisors who understand the math of divorce. If you’ve ever stared at a co‑parenting app with a knot in your gut, this conversation hands you scripts, guardrails, and a way forward.We dig into the two‑generation model and why supporting parents and children together is the key to breaking cycles of stress and poverty. Joy shares examples of workforce training linked to daycare slots and employer hiring, turning education into paychecks instead of paperwork. We also talk frankly about the motherhood penalty, resume gaps, and the impossible calculus of paying lawyers, covering rent, and affording daycare at the same time. Layer in school supply and tech savings, plus safety tools like Noonlight, and you’ve got a toolkit that meets families where life is really happening.Emotions run alongside logistics. Even amicable divorces carry grief and identity shock, and high‑conflict situations can steal your peace one message at a time. We normalize therapy for adults and kids, break down how to access free and discounted sessions, and offer language for setting clear boundaries that keep children out of the middle. Joy’s north star is simple and fierce: people before profit. Every partner is vetted for mission fit so vulnerable families aren’t sold false hope.If you’re navigating separation, rebuilding solo, or supporting a friend, press play for resources you can use today and perspective that lightens the load. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review to help more parents find solid ground.Check out the National Association of Single and Divorced FamiliesBestInterest Co-Parenting App Join BestInterest App and get 22% off yearly subscriptions with code LITTLEHOUSE22 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Kids First CoParenting System: The best membership for moms co-parenting in a high conflict dynamic. If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, dealing with a manipulative ex, or feeling overwhelmed by high-conflict dynamics, you are not alone. These resources are designed to help you protect your child’s emotional health and take back control of your co-parenting experience.Kids First Co-Parenting Membership Social Links:FacebookInstagramYoutubeThe Kids First CoParenting podcast and all related content are provided for general education and not legal or mental health advice in any way.

Send a textWe face the quiet fear many moms hold: will my child turn out like my ex. We explain why mimicry isn’t destiny, how processing experience shapes character, and how one steady adult can outweigh chaotic modeling, even in high-conflict homes.• naming the hidden fear without shame• modeling versus processing and why it matters• the role of one steady, safe caregiver• influence versus control in co-parenting• tech boundaries that reduce triangulation• mimicry, phases, and testing limits across ages• development facts about narcissism and identity• red flags that signal a child needs more support• practical scripts, repair, and home culturePodcast listeners can use the code POD10 for $10 off the Co-Parent Tech kit. Use code POD10. Leave us a review, share with a mama who needs to hear thisIf you’re tired of every conversation with your ex turning into a fight, the High Conflict Communication Bootcamp for Moms  is for you.  In this  self-paced 3 day online course, get scripts, strategies, and a workbook you can use right away, designed for moms in high-conflict co-parenting and parallel parenting. Enroll now for just $19 here. BestInterest Co-Parenting App Join BestInterest App and get 22% off yearly subscriptions with code LITTLEHOUSE22 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Kids First CoParenting System: The best membership for moms co-parenting in a high conflict dynamic. If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, dealing with a manipulative ex, or feeling overwhelmed by high-conflict dynamics, you are not alone. These resources are designed to help you protect your child’s emotional health and take back control of your co-parenting experience. Get More Support How to Co-Parent with a Difficult Ex Masterclass (Free & Instant Access) Kids First Co-Parenting Membership (First Month $48.50--> $97 after that, cancel anytime) Explore the Kids First Co-Parenting System to learn how to raise emotionally secure kids after divorce, even when your co-parent refuses to change. This is the support system every overwhelmed mom needs. Social Links: Facebook Instagram Youtube The Kids First CoParenting podcast and all related content are provided for general educa...

Send a textWe look at why “just ignore it” fails kids in high-conflict homes and show how brief, blame-free validation protects their trust and nervous system. We share practical scripts to name the hard thing, contain it, and co-regulate without fueling new fights.• why silence teaches kids to doubt themselves• difference between ignoring a co-parent and ignoring a child• when non-engagement makes sense strategically• the name it, contain it, regulate framework• age-appropriate validation and simple scripts• avoiding overexplaining while offering reassurance• co-regulation tools for car rides and transitions• applying the same approach to wider community stressJoin the Kids First Co-Parenting membership for kid-focused lessons, practical tools, and live group coaching. Learn more at the link in the show notesJoin the High Conflict Communication Bootcamp for $19. The link is in the show notes belowKids First CoParenting System: The best membership for moms co-parenting in a high conflict dynamic. If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, dealing with a manipulative ex, or feeling overwhelmed by high-conflict dynamics, you are not alone. These resources are designed to help you protect your child’s emotional health and take back control of your co-parenting experience. Get More Support How to Co-Parent with a Difficult Ex Masterclass (Free & Instant Access) Kids First Co-Parenting Membership (First Month $48.50--> $97 after that, cancel anytime) Explore the Kids First Co-Parenting System to learn how to raise emotionally secure kids after divorce, even when your co-parent refuses to change. This is the support system every overwhelmed mom needs. Social Links: Facebook Instagram Youtube The Kids First CoParenting podcast and all related content are provided for general educa...

Send a textWe walk through how to decide if your attorney is the right fit by focusing on your next 60 to 90 days, your case’s unique needs, and the communication systems that keep you steady. We compare junior and senior counsel, map specialties to real problems, and share steps to repair or replace without chaos.• reframing “best attorney” as best for your needs• defining immediate goals like enforcement or modification• weighing junior associate responsiveness against partner experience• matching attorney specialty to case complexity and risk• assessing responsiveness, urgency protocols, and evidence workflows• spotting realistic strategy versus empty promises• steps to repair the relationship before switching counsel• using community, templates, and checklists to interview wellPlease share widely and leave us a review if you do find it usefulThe best way you can support the show is by following, rating, and reviewing wherever you listen to podcasts and by sharing it with another mom who could use the supportYou can also connect with me on Instagram and Facebook at LearnwithLittle House, where I share daily tips and encouragement for moms raising kids through high conflict divorceIf you’re ready to go deep and get more tools, scripts, personalized support, and coaching, come join us inside the Kids First co-parenting communityKids First CoParenting System: The best membership for moms co-parenting in a high conflict dynamic. If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, dealing with a manipulative ex, or feeling overwhelmed by high-conflict dynamics, you are not alone. These resources are designed to help you protect your child’s emotional health and take back control of your co-parenting experience. Get More Support How to Co-Parent with a Difficult Ex Masterclass (Free & Instant Access) Kids First Co-Parenting Membership (First Month $48.50--> $97 after that, cancel anytime) Explore the Kids First Co-Parenting System to learn how to raise emotionally secure kids after divorce, even when your co-parent refuses to change. This is the support system every overwhelmed mom needs. Social Links: Facebook Instagram Youtube The Kids First CoParenting podcast and all related content are provided for general educa...

Send a textWe explore how to face holiday grief and ambivalence when the kids are with a co-parent and the house feels too quiet. We share a clear plan to cope ahead, micro-skills for spirals, and when to bring in extra support while modeling regulation for our kids.• naming grief and ambivalence during holidays• separating feelings from behaviors• building a coping ahead plan that fits you• body, mind and connection actions for hard days• grounding with feet and breath work• quick resets with water, sky and fresh air• recognizing red flags that signal added support• modeling self-regulation language for kidsThe membership is half off for listeners right now. You can find the membership at the link in the show notesKids First CoParenting System: The best membership for moms co-parenting in a high conflict dynamic. If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, dealing with a manipulative ex, or feeling overwhelmed by high-conflict dynamics, you are not alone. These resources are designed to help you protect your child’s emotional health and take back control of your co-parenting experience. Get More Support How to Co-Parent with a Difficult Ex Masterclass (Free & Instant Access) Kids First Co-Parenting Membership (First Month $48.50--> $97 after that, cancel anytime) Explore the Kids First Co-Parenting System to learn how to raise emotionally secure kids after divorce, even when your co-parent refuses to change. This is the support system every overwhelmed mom needs. Social Links: Facebook Instagram Youtube The Kids First CoParenting podcast and all related content are provided for general educa...

Send a textWe explore how to support kids through holiday ambivalence without putting them in the middle, and why naming, validating, and coping rituals reduce stress for both kids and parents. We reframe “bad behavior” as stress signals, unpack loyalty pulls, and share simple connection rituals that steady transitions.• normalizing mixed feelings during holiday co‑parenting • naming and validating emotions to build attachment • explaining and easing loyalty pulls between parents • reading behaviors as stress signals, not defiance • using curiosity and lowering demands to de‑escalate • creating simple, predictable connection rituals • recognizing parallel process in your own emotions • avoiding invalidating phrases and scorekeeping • steady support through routine shifts and transitionsKids First CoParenting System: The best membership for moms co-parenting in a high conflict dynamic. If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, dealing with a manipulative ex, or feeling overwhelmed by high-conflict dynamics, you are not alone. These resources are designed to help you protect your child’s emotional health and take back control of your co-parenting experience. Get More Support How to Co-Parent with a Difficult Ex Masterclass (Free & Instant Access) Kids First Co-Parenting Membership (First Month $48.50--> $97 after that, cancel anytime) Explore the Kids First Co-Parenting System to learn how to raise emotionally secure kids after divorce, even when your co-parent refuses to change. This is the support system every overwhelmed mom needs. Social Links: Facebook Instagram Youtube The Kids First CoParenting podcast and all related content are provided for general educa...

Send a textWe explore how a therapist-led, process-oriented divorce recovery group helps women move through grief, confront shame, and build real co-parenting skills when conflict runs high. Join us for the bonus conversation with Dr. Kristen Hick (Center for Shared Insight).  Along the way we name false summits, choose the right hills to die on, and find a steadier path forward.What's in this episode: • What a process-oriented group offers beyond support• Weekly flow, safety, and facilitated interaction• Grief as a normal, nonlinear part of divorce• Shame vs guilt and why shame is stickier• Community as an antidote to isolation• Group and individual therapy working together• Control traps with new partners, bedtimes, and rules• Choosing enforceable hills and protecting peace• Venting with boundaries and narrative work• The long arc of recovery and holding hopeJoin us today. We’ve made the Kids First Co-Parenting System a membership so it’s more accessible and affordable for moms just like you. Come in and get your first month and all the lessons again. You’ll find the details here. Find Dr. Kristen Hick at the Center for Shared Insight, and learn more about the Divorce Recovery Group.  Follow the Center forIf you’re tired of every conversation with your ex turning into a fight, the High Conflict Communication Bootcamp for Moms  is for you.  In this  self-paced 3 day online course, get scripts, strategies, and a workbook you can use right away, designed for moms in high-conflict co-parenting and parallel parenting. Enroll now for just $19 here. BestInterest Co-Parenting App Join BestInterest App and get 22% off yearly subscriptions with code LITTLEHOUSE22 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Kids First CoParenting System: The best membership for moms co-parenting in a high conflict dynamic. If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, dealing with a manipulative ex, or feeling overwhelmed by high-conflict dynamics, you are not alone. These resources are designed to help you protect your child’s emotional health and take back control of your co-parenting experience.Social Links:FacebookInstagramYoutubeThe Kids First CoParenting podcast and all related content are provided for general educa...

Send a textHoliday tables can be tender ground when you’re parenting from two homes. We dig into practical, child-first strategies to keep Thanksgiving calm and drama-free, and be connected to the people that although they are being nosey...probably care a lot too. From boundary-setting texts you can send before you arrive to on-the-spot scripts that shut down gossip, comparisons, and invasive questions, this conversation gives you the exact words and plans you need.We start by reframing the season around regulation and safety, then map out how to brief relatives, protect kids from loyalty binds, and redirect when someone slips. You’ll hear short, repeatable lines to keep adult topics off the menu, ways to validate a loved one’s concern without unpacking the divorce at the table, and gentle non-answers you can use when asked about dating, custody, or who “got the house.” We also cover how to introduce a new partner thoughtfully and how to intervene when family tries to extract details from your child or compare “mom’s house vs dad’s house.”As the day unfolds, structure matters. You’ll learn when to shorten visits, arrive just for dinner, or create new, simpler traditions that meet your bandwidth. We share quick, neutral responses for kids’ questions about split holidays and guidance on saving deeper conversations for a calmer moment. If you’re attending solo this year, these same scripts protect your peace and model healthy boundaries. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s steady, grounded presence and a holiday your child remembers for comfort, not conflict.If you’re tired of every conversation with your ex turning into a fight, the High Conflict Communication Bootcamp for Moms  is for you.  In this  self-paced 3 day online course, get scripts, strategies, and a workbook you can use right away, designed for moms in high-conflict co-parenting and parallel parenting. Enroll now for just $19 here. BestInterest Co-Parenting App Join BestInterest App and get 22% off yearly subscriptions with code LITTLEHOUSE22 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Explore the Kids First Co-Parenting System to learn how to raise emotionally secure kids after divorce, even when your co-parent refuses to change. This is the support system every overwhelmed mom needs.Social Links:FacebookInstagramYoutubeThe Kids First CoParenting podcast and all related content are provided for general educa...

Send a textThe kids stay home, the parents rotate—simple to say, hard to do well. We unpack nesting with straight talk on what it is, when it helps, and how to make it work without sliding back into the same conflicts that made separation necessary. From early-stage divorce logistics to keeping bedtime steady for a neurodivergent child, we share a practical blueprint anchored in safety, trust, and child-centered routines.We start with the basics: a clear definition of nesting, common scenarios where it shines—high cost of living, a traveling parent, or a need to preserve medical equipment and school routines—and the invisible load it creates. You’ll hear why privacy protocols, written house rules, and transparent money systems prevent “gotcha” moments that reignite resentment. We also get candid about non-negotiables: if there’s coercive control, abuse, or constant boundary-breaking, nesting is the wrong tool. Parallel parenting from separate homes with structured communication will serve your child better.Then we move into execution. Set the schedule first and keep exchanges brief and businesslike, like passing a relay baton. Align on routines using the “siblings, not twins” principle so life feels familiar even as parents change places. Lock down a plan for chores, groceries, mail, guests, and tech boundaries. Track expenses and reconcile on a cadence so costs don’t become character judgments. Most importantly, assign an endpoint—30 to 60 days—and review objective markers: on-time handoffs, fewer meltdowns, and lower parent conflict. If it’s working, extend with intention; if it’s not, pivot promptly.If messages from your ex make your stomach drop, grab our High Conflict Communication Bootcamp for Moms for $19 to get scripts and strategies you can use today. And if you want ongoing coaching, tools, and community, join the Kids First membership—use code ProtectKids at learnwithlittlehouse.com. Subscribe, share with a mom who needs this, and leave a quick review to help more families find solid ground.BestInterest Co-Parenting App Join BestInterest App and get 22% off yearly subscriptions with code LITTLEHOUSE22 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Kids First CoParenting System: The best membership for moms co-parenting in a high conflict dynamic. If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, dealing with a manipulative ex, or feeling overwhelmed by high-conflict dynamics, you are not alone. These resources are designed to help you protect your child’s emotional health and take back control of your co-parenting experience.Social Links:FacebookInstagramYoutubeThe Kids First CoParenting podcast and all related content are provided for general educa...

Send a textA single notification shouldn’t hijack your nervous system. When co-parenting gets high-conflict, though, even a short text can set off a cascade of stress that steals focus from your kids. We sat down with founder Sol Kennedy to unpack Best Interest, the first AI‑moderated messaging app for co-parents, built from his own divorce and supported by Dr. Ramani’s expertise. Think of it as a calm, intelligent “shield” that filters inflammatory language into clear, actionable requests while preserving originals for records and reflection.We explore how the app learns your context, aligns replies with your parenting plan, and compresses message floods into a single daily notification. Emergencies still break through, so you stay responsive without living on edge. For anyone using Our Family Wizard or Talking Parents, you can import conversations via screenshot and get immediate coaching. And when legal documentation matters, Best Interest exports unaltered messages with timestamps so judges see what was actually said—alongside your steady, concise responses.Beyond the tech, this conversation dives into mindset: moving from reactivity and “evidence mode” toward agency, boundaries, and regulation. Courts are slow, costly, and often fuel a winner‑loser frame that fails kids. Reducing conflict at the source—messaging—creates space to parent with clarity, model calm, and protect your peace. We also share a practical tool for another flashpoint: screens across two homes. The Co-Parent Tech Agreement Kit gives you a decision framework, scripts, and a shared log to end the tug‑of‑war without power struggles.If you’ve wondered whether one parent can make things better, the answer is yes. You don’t need your ex’s consent to start using Best Interest, try the free AI coach, or set limits that honor your bandwidth and your child’s needs. Follow, rate, and share the show with a mom who needs relief today—and tell us what boundary would bring you the most peace right now.Best Interest App:BestInterest Co-Parenting App Join BestInterest App and get 22% off yearly subscriptions with code LITTLEHOUSE22 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Explore the Kids First Co-Parenting System to learn how to raise emotionally secure kids after divorce, even when your co-parent refuses to change. This is the support system every overwhelmed mom needs.Social Links:FacebookInstagramYoutubeThe Kids First CoParenting podcast and all related content are provided for general educa...

Send a textCourt-ordered FaceTime, late-night pings, and surprise speakerphone moments can turn tech into a battleground—unless you have a plan built for high-conflict co-parenting. We break down a practical five-decision framework that transforms chaos into clarity: precise call windows, allowed platforms, device-free anchors, clear privacy norms, and a calm problems protocol for when things go sideways. You’ll hear why judges dislike being dragged into phone debates, what the research says about delaying smartphones and social media, and how small wording changes in your parenting plan stop late calls from steamrolling bedtime.We keep it real with scripts for missed-call boundaries, tips for choosing simple, low-drama platforms, and ways to protect your child’s nervous system with shared anchors like phone-free meals and device-free bedrooms. You’ll learn how to teach kids to assert privacy—no more hidden recordings or third-party coaching—and how to create a digital incident log that tracks issues neutrally, strengthens your case if needed, and keeps communication with your co-parent steady and brief. The goal is simple: a calmer home, a steadier routine, and a child who feels safe and seen across both houses.If you’re ready for tools that work when personalities clash, this conversation gives you the structure to reduce conflict and keep your kid at the center. Check out our Co-Parenting Tech Agreement kit for scripts, worksheets, and a fillable incident log, and don’t miss our High Conflict Communication Bootcamp for Moms for fast, usable strategies. If this helped, follow the show, leave a review, and share it with a mom who needs steadier evenings and better sleep. Your support helps more families find calm.Snag your seat in the Co-Parent Tech Agreement Workshop, use podcast bonus code POD10 for $$ off.Check out Jonathan Haidt's book, the Anxious GenerationBestInterest Co-Parenting App Join BestInterest App and get 22% off yearly subscriptions with code LITTLEHOUSE22 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Kids First CoParenting System: The best membership for moms co-parenting in a high conflict dynamic. If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, dealing with a manipulative ex, or feeling overwhelmed by high-conflict dynamics, you are not alone. These resources are designed to help you protect your child’s emotional health and take back control of your co-parenting experience. Get More Support How to Co-Parent with a Difficult Ex Masterclass (Free & Instant Access) Kids First Co-Parenting Membership (First Month $48.50--> $97 after that, cancel anytime) Explore the Kids First Co-Parenting System to learn how to raise emotionally secure kids after divorce, even when your co-parent refuses to change. This is the support system every overwhelmed mom needs. Social Links: Facebook Instagram Youtube The Kids First CoParenting podcast and all related content are provided for general educa...

Send a textEver watched your child’s face twist with confusion? Up at night worrying about gaslighting and how to protect your child from the exact dynamics you experienced? We’re tackling the quiet damage of gaslighting in high-conflict co-parenting and sharing the exact words you can use to steady your kid without badmouthing your ex or dragging them into the middle.We start with validation on steroids. You’ll learn simple, easy to remember phrases that meet your child where they are, “I can see why that feels confusing,” “I’m glad you told me” and grounding strategies. Then you'll learn how to build the muscle that manipulation tries to weaken: a child’s trust in their own perception. Through open-ended prompts and gentle reality-checks, we show how to help kids hold two stories without losing their center, and why this skill protects them in friendships, school, and future relationships.From there, we set clean boundaries that keep kids out of adult logistics and blame. You’ll hear how to avoid using your child as a messenger, when to share brief factual context about safety or court decisions, and how to correct misinformation without turning your kitchen into a courtroom.For moms who want more, we point to our High Conflict Communication Bootcamp for Moms concise, self-paced training with scripts, strategies, and a printable workbook so you always know what to say and how to say it. If this helped, tap follow, leave a quick review, and share it with a mom who could use a steadier week. BestInterest Co-Parenting App Join BestInterest App and get 22% off yearly subscriptions with code LITTLEHOUSE22 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Kids First CoParenting System: The best membership for moms co-parenting in a high conflict dynamic. If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, dealing with a manipulative ex, or feeling overwhelmed by high-conflict dynamics, you are not alone. These resources are designed to help you protect your child’s emotional health and take back control of your co-parenting experience. Get More Support How to Co-Parent with a Difficult Ex Masterclass (Free & Instant Access) Kids First Co-Parenting Membership (First Month $48.50--> $97 after that, cancel anytime) Explore the Kids First Co-Parenting System to learn how to raise emotionally secure kids after divorce, even when your co-parent refuses to change. This is the support system every overwhelmed mom needs. Social Links: Facebook Instagram Youtube The Kids First CoParenting podcast and all related content are provided for general educa...

Send a textWhat happens when the already intense world of competitive youth sports collides with the complexities of co-parenting after divorce? Dr. Alec Baker, a psychologist specializing in both sports psychology and family dynamics, joins Dr. Royster to explore this challenging intersection where parental dreams, financial pressures, and children's wellbeing often compete for priority.Drawing from his background as a former competitive athlete whose career was cut short by injuries, Dr. Baker offers a compassionate perspective on why youth sports environments can become pressure cookers for family stress. His doctoral research revealed a concerning connection – as the percentage of family income devoted to youth sports increases, marital satisfaction (particularly for women) tends to decrease. When divorce enters the picture, these financial and scheduling strains often intensify, creating new battlegrounds for already conflicted co-parents.The conversation challenges several pervasive myths about youth athletic development. Contrary to the fear-driven narrative that children must specialize early or "miss their chance," Dr. Baker explains why multi-sport participation and physical literacy development until ages 12-14 creates stronger, more resilient athletes. This evidence-based approach not only benefits children's athletic trajectory but can significantly reduce family stressIf you’re tired of every conversation with your ex turning into a fight, the High Conflict Communication Bootcamp for Moms  is for you.  In this  self-paced 3 day online course, get scripts, strategies, and a workbook you can use right away, designed for moms in high-conflict co-parenting and parallel parenting. Enroll now for just $19 here. BestInterest Co-Parenting App: Join BestInterest App and get 22% off yearly subscriptions with code LITTLEHOUSE22 Kids First CoParenting System: The best membership for moms co-parenting in a high conflict dynamic. If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, dealing with a manipulative ex, or feeling overwhelmed by high-conflict dynamics, you are not alone. These resources are designed to help you protect your child’s emotional health and take back control of your co-parenting experience.Get More SupportExplore the Kids First Co-Parenting System to learn how to raise emotionally secure kids after divorce, even when your co-parent refuses to change. This is the support system every overwhelmed mom needs.Social Links:FacebookInstagramYoutubeThe Kids First CoParenting podcast and all related content are provided for general educa...

Send a textEver wondered if your child is being gaslit by their other parent? Manipulated into questioning their own reality? You're not alone, and you're not being paranoid.Gaslighting - that subtle psychological manipulation where someone makes you question your own perceptions and memories - can be devastating for children caught in high-conflict co-parenting situations. When a child starts doubting what they saw, heard, or felt, it undermines their entire sense of security and trust.In this deep dive, I explain exactly what gaslighting looks like when children are involved. From denying promises ("I never said I'd take you for ice cream") to rewriting family history or undermining your rules, these manipulative tactics create confusion and anxiety for kids. The damage runs deep because it erodes their internal compass - that essential ability to trust their own experiences and feelings.But not every disagreement or difficult moment with your ex qualifies as gaslighting. I'll help you distinguish between genuine differences in parenting approaches and true manipulation, because labeling everything as "gaslighting" only dilutes its meaning and can make it harder to address the real problem.This episode lays the foundation for understanding this complex issue, while a future episode will focus specifically on how to protect your child from gaslighting. Because wIf you’re tired of every conversation with your ex turning into a fight, the High Conflict Communication Bootcamp for Moms  is for you.  In this  self-paced 3 day online course, get scripts, strategies, and a workbook you can use right away, designed for moms in high-conflict co-parenting and parallel parenting. Enroll now for just $19 here. BestInterest Co-Parenting App: Join BestInterest App and get 22% off yearly subscriptions with code LITTLEHOUSE22 Kids First CoParenting System: The best membership for moms co-parenting in a high conflict dynamic. If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, dealing with a manipulative ex, or feeling overwhelmed by high-conflict dynamics, you are not alone. These resources are designed to help you protect your child’s emotional health and take back control of your co-parenting experience.Explore the Kids First Co-Parenting System to learn how to raise emotionally secure kids after divorce, even when your co-parent refuses to change. This is the support system every overwhelmed mom needs.Social Links:FacebookInstagramYoutubeThe Kids First CoParenting podcast and all related content are provided for general educa...

Send a textOverwhelmed by the advice to "document everything" in your high-conflict co-parenting situation? You're not alone. In this practical episode, Dr. Karalynn Royster tackles the documentation dilemma head-on, offering clear strategies to transform that mountain of screenshots into a manageable, effective system.Documentation serves three crucial purposes: creating an objective record of events for legal proceedings, helping you maintain emotional clarity, and most importantly, protecting your children from confusion and conflict. But without a proper system, documentation quickly becomes an overwhelming second job that many parents eventually abandon.Dr. Royster walks through exactly what's worth documenting (and what isn't), sharing a simple question to ask yourself: "Would this matter to a mediator, judge, lawyer, or therapist?" While safety concerns and medical issues always warrant documentation, not everything deserves equal attention. By focusing your efforts strategically, you can build a documentation practice that's sustainable and effective.The episode offers practical guidance on creating a system that works for your unique brain - whether that's using co-parenting apps, Google Drive folders, organized photo albums, physical binders, or journals. You'll learn the importance of documenting facts rather than feelings, and how proper organization can helpBestInterest Co-Parenting App: Join BestInterest App and get 22% off yearly subscriptions with code LITTLEHOUSE22 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Kids First CoParenting System: The best membership for moms co-parenting in a high conflict dynamic. If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, dealing with a manipulative ex, or feeling overwhelmed by high-conflict dynamics, you are not alone. These resources are designed to help you protect your child’s emotional health and take back control of your co-parenting experience.Get More SupportHow to Co-Parent with a Difficult Ex Masterclass (Free & Instant Access)Kids First Co-Parenting Membership (First Month $48.50--> $97 after that, cancel anytime)Explore the Kids First Co-Parenting System to learn how to raise emotionally secure kids after divorce, even when your co-parent refuses to change. This is the support system every overwhelmed mom needs.Social Links:FacebookInstagramYoutubeThe Kids First CoParenting podcast and all related content are provided for general educa...

Send a textShow Notes: Dr. Karalynn Royster invites child psychologist Dr. Julianne Monday to explore the connection between anxious moms and anxious kids, discussing how parental regulation impacts children's emotional development. They share practical strategies for breaking generational patterns and creating emotionally safe homes while addressing the pervasive issue of mom guilt.Key Points:• Dr. Monday's journey from early childhood teacher to child psychologist focused on anxious moms and sensitive kids• How parents under stress revert to patterns they experienced in their own childhoods• The difference between mom guilt and mom shame and strategies for releasing both• Why perfect parenting isn't the goal – repair after mistakes builds crucial resilience in children• Importance of regulating your own nervous system through breath work and body-based strategies• How modeling calm for your children works through mirror neurons even when they're upset• Overview of the Wire to Connect program for anxious moms of emotionally sensitive childrenConnect with Dr. Monday at the links below:Private Facebook GroupGet your Your Mom Guilt FreebieBestInterest Co-Parenting App: Join BestInterest App and get 22% off yearly subscriptions with code LITTLEHOUSE22 BestInterest Co-Parenting App Join BestInterest App and get 22% off yearly subscriptions with code LITTLEHOUSE22 Kids First CoParenting System: The best membership for moms co-parenting in a high conflict dynamic. If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, dealing with a manipulative ex, or feeling overwhelmed by high-conflict dynamics, you are not alone. These resources are designed to help you protect your child’s emotional health and take back control of your co-parenting experience.Get More SupportHow to Co-Parent with a Difficult Ex Masterclass (Free & Instant Access)Kids First Co-Parenting Membership (First Month $48.50--> $97 after that, cancel anytime)Explore the Kids First Co-Parenting System to learn how to raise emotionally secure kids after divorce, even when your co-parent refuses to change. This is the support system every overwhelmed mom needs.Social Links:FacebookInstagramYoutubeThe Kids First CoParenting podcast and all related content are provided for general educa...

Send a textSummary:Dr. Karalynn Royster explores how to respond when your child returns from their co-parent's home repeating confusing or inaccurate information. This episode provides practical guidance on validating your child's experience while maintaining appropriate boundaries that protect them from adult conflicts.Takeaways:• Children asking difficult questions shows they trust you enough to bring challenging topics to you• Your child is not trying to hurt you when repeating confusing information• Focus on clarity rather than confrontation • Avoid phrases that create loyalty binds • Use the validation, boundaries, and redirection approach to respond effectively• Document concerning patterns but address them separately from conversations with your child• Remember that children need emotional safety more than they need complete informationIf you’re tired of every conversation with your ex turning into a fight, the High Conflict Communication Bootcamp for Moms  is for you.  In this  self-paced 3 day online course, get scripts, strategies, and a workbook you can use right away, designed for moms in high-conflict co-parenting and parallel parenting. Enroll now for just $19 here. BestInterest Co-Parenting App Join BestInterest App and get 22% off yearly subscriptions with code LITTLEHOUSE22 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Kids First CoParenting System: The best membership for moms co-parenting in a high conflict dynamic. If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, dealing with a manipulative ex, or feeling overwhelmed by high-conflict dynamics, you are not alone. These resources are designed to help you protect your child’s emotional health and take back control of your co-parenting experience. Get More Support How to Co-Parent with a Difficult Ex Masterclass (Free & Instant Access) Kids First Co-Parenting Membership (First Month $48.50--> $97 after that, cancel anytime) Explore the Kids First Co-Parenting System to learn how to raise emotionally secure kids after divorce, even when your co-parent refuses to change. This is the support system every overwhelmed mom needs. Social Links: Facebook Instagram Youtube The Kids First CoParenting podcast and all related content are provided for general educa...

Send a textSummary: Our neurobiological response to co-parenting stress often mirrors evolutionary survival mechanisms, triggering fight, flight, freeze, or fawn reactions when we receive messages from difficult ex-partners. Recognizing these pattern is the critical first step to interrupting automatic responses and choosing more intentional communication.Key Takeaways:• The "four Fs" (fight, flight, freeze, fawn) are natural trauma responses designed to protect us in threatening situations• Different situations may trigger different response patterns based on your history• You can't control your initial reaction, but you can learn to recognize it before responding• Naming what's happening creates space between your reaction and your response• Asking trusted friends about your typical response patterns can provide valuable insightsResources: Check out our High Conflict Communication Bootcamp for just $19, where we go beyond naming these responses and provide practical tools for each pattern. If you’re tired of every conversation with your ex turning into a fight, the High Conflict Communication Bootcamp for Moms  is for you.  In this  self-paced 3 day online course, get scripts, strategies, and a workbook you can use right away, designed for moms in high-conflict co-parenting and parallel parenting. Enroll now for just $19 here. BestInterest Co-Parenting App Join BestInterest App and get 22% off yearly subscriptions with code LITTLEHOUSE22 Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Kids First CoParenting System: The best membership for moms co-parenting in a high conflict dynamic. If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, dealing with a manipulative ex, or feeling overwhelmed by high-conflict dynamics, you are not alone. These resources are designed to help you protect your child’s emotional health and take back control of your co-parenting experience. Get More Support How to Co-Parent with a Difficult Ex Masterclass (Free & Instant Access) Kids First Co-Parenting Membership (First Month $48.50--> $97 after that, cancel anytime) Explore the Kids First Co-Parenting System to learn how to raise emotionally secure kids after divorce, even when your co-parent refuses to change. This is the support system every overwhelmed mom needs. Social Links: Facebook Instagram Youtube The Kids First CoParenting podcast and all related content are provided for general educa...

Send a textEpisode Summary: We explore how to handle tough questions from your children about separation, divorce, or your past relationship in ways that are honest, developmentally appropriate, and emotionally supportive.Key Points• Understand what's driving your child's question before answering • Validate their question first with phrases • Gently assess why they might be asking • Keep responses child-focused• Respond directly to the underlying concern (like fear of losing your love) Kids First CoParenting System: The best membership for moms co-parenting in a high conflict dynamic. If you are co-parenting with a narcissist, dealing with a manipulative ex, or feeling overwhelmed by high-conflict dynamics, you are not alone. These resources are designed to help you protect your child’s emotional health and take back control of your co-parenting experience. Get More Support How to Co-Parent with a Difficult Ex Masterclass (Free & Instant Access) Kids First Co-Parenting Membership (First Month $48.50--> $97 after that, cancel anytime) Explore the Kids First Co-Parenting System to learn how to raise emotionally secure kids after divorce, even when your co-parent refuses to change. This is the support system every overwhelmed mom needs. Social Links: Facebook Instagram Youtube The Kids First CoParenting podcast and all related content are provided for general educa...