When our children are growing up, we cover the electrical outlets. We make sure they wear bike helmets and drink organic milk. We go out of our way to ensure that they are safe and healthy and happy. And yet, many parents fail to protect their kids from the toxicity of a high-conflict divorce. So, what can we do to set aside our feelings for our ex and make things better for our children?
Sarah Armstrong is the author of The Mom’s Guide to a Good Divorce: What to Think Through When Children Are Involved. Sarah began her career with Leo Burnett before joining the Coca-Cola Worldwide Media team in 1997. In 2017, she transitioned to a leading global management consulting firm where she serves as Partner. After her own marriage ended, Sarah became the go-to advisor for her divorcing friends and was inspired to write The Mom’s Guide… to share that wisdom with the world.
On this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Sarah joins Katherine to discuss the responsibility we have to take co-parenting seriously and bring our kids up in the healthiest environment possible. She introduces us to the key components of a good divorce, offering insight on how to approach decision-making with your ex and compartmentalize your feelings to focus on what’s best for your children. Listen in for Sarah’s advice on how to course correct and end up with a good divorce—even if it didn’t start off that way.
The experiences that inspired Sarah to write The Mom’s Guide to a Good Divorce
Sarah’s argument against the societal perception that you cannot have a good divorce
The potential to have a good divorce even if it’s one-sided
The responsibility we have to take co-parenting seriously and bring our kids up in the healthiest environment possible
The key components of a good divorce
Sarah’s advice on approaching your ex with one shift that will make things better for your children
How to minimize your child’s feeling that they are a professional traveler
The top two mistakes divorced couples make that adversely impact their children
Engaging your kids for help in creating new holiday traditions
Strengthening your compartmentalization muscle and taking care of yourself in this time of unexpected togetherness
How to course correct and end up with a good divorce (even if it didn’t start off that way)
The Center for Understanding Conflict
The New Yorker’s Guide to Collaborative Divorce by Katherine Miller
Email katherine@westchesterfamilylaw.com
Call (914) 738-7765