In this empowering and heartfelt episode, Catherine and Karen sit down with Dr. Tara Egan, founder of Egan Counseling & Consulting, to discuss the emotional and practical realities of co-parenting through divorce—especially in high-conflict situations. With over two decades of experience and her own personal journey through divorce, Dr. Egan shares real-world strategies that prioritize peace, protect children, and reduce costly legal and emotional power struggles.

Key Takeaways:

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  Parent Coordination: Dr. Egan explains how a Parent Coordinator acts as a neutral party helping parents follow custody agreements and make day-to-day decisions without returning to court—saving time, money, and stress.

  
  


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  Nesting Isn’t Forever: Nesting (kids stay in the home while parents rotate in/out) can be helpful short-term but rarely works long-term. Stability comes from clear routines and emotionally safe environments—not physical space alone.

  
  


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  Kids Need One Healthy Parent: Divorce doesn’t "mess up" kids—how parents behave before, during, and after does. Kids thrive with at least one emotionally healthy parent showing up with consistency and compassion.

  
  


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  Responding to Financial Blame: When children repeat financial accusations (“Mom took all the money”), avoid defensive responses. Instead, calmly reassure them with facts, warmth, and emotional safety.

  
  


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  Set the Tone in Co-Parenting Conversations: Stay out of judgment. Acknowledge that families change and model positive, future-focused communication, even when your co-parent does not.

  
  


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  Don’t Expect Your Ex to Suddenly Be Different: Your ex won’t magically become a more emotionally responsive or financially generous person post-divorce. Accepting that helps reduce your stress and disappointment.

  
  

Resources Mentioned:

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  Dr. Tara Egan's Website: www.egancounseling.com

  
  


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  TikTok: @taraegan – Bite-sized advice for navigating co-parenting and high-conflict divorce.

  
  

Subscribe to We Chat Divorce and explore more insights on financial clarity, parenting support, and emotional empowerment at mydivorcesolution.com/podcast.

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