In this episode of 1 in 3, child psychologist Dr. Royster joins Ingrid to unpack how to protect children’s mental health in high-conflict co-parenting and post-separation abuse situations. A calm home, a steady voice, and the right words at the right time can change a child’s life—even when a co-parent thrives on chaos.

Dr. Royster breaks down the three main co-parenting models—collaborative, nesting, and parallel parenting—and explains when each approach fits. If your ex uses control, blame, or litigation as leverage, you’ll learn why parallel parenting may be the safest path and how to apply it without escalating conflict. She also shares practical scripts for debriefing after exchanges, helping parents validate feelings, reduce anxiety, and protect their children from emotional harm.

We get specific about documentation that holds up in court—tracking patterns, transitions, and measurable effects on your child instead of drowning in daily notes. Dr. Royster outlines when to seek trauma-informed therapy—for signs like chronic anxiety, extended sadness, or regression—and how to find a therapist who understands domestic violence dynamics and high-conflict divorce.

When therapy access is blocked, she offers backup options like coaching, group support, and tools for managing tech conflicts, recorded calls, and inconsistent rules between homes. The message is hope and agency: one attuned, consistent parent can be a powerful buffer against instability and manipulation.

If this episode helps, subscribe, rate, and share so more families facing post-separation abuse can find clear, compassionate guidance. Tell us the next question you want a child psychologist to answer on 1 in 3.

Dr. Royster’s Links: 

https://www.1in3podcast.com/guests/dr-karalynn-royster/

https://learnwithlittlehouse.com/

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kids-first-co-parenting-with-dr-royster/id1828016840

https://www.instagram.com/learnwithlittlehouse/

https://www.youtube.com/@learnwithlittlehouse

https://www.tiktok.com/@learnwithlittlehouse

1 in 3 is intended for mature audiences. Episodes contain explicit content and may be triggering to some.

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If you are in the United States and need help right now, call the national domestic violence hotline at 800-799-7233 or text the word “start” to 88788.

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Thank you for listening!

Cover art by Laura Swift Dahlke
Music by Tim Crowe