act of love

The Ultimate Act of Love For Your Kids: Healthy Co-parenting

People think divorce harms children, when in fact it’s not the divorce itself, it’s the conflict that goes along with it. But if parents can put aside their differences and focus on the well-being of their children, they are engaging in the ultimate act of love, and providing a foundation of security, love, and emotional … Read more

supervised visitation

10 Things to Know about Supervised Visitation

Supervised visitation, also known as supervised parenting time often presents unique challenges and opportunities for families navigating difficult circumstances. Whether you are the parent receiving supervised parenting time or the parent facilitating it, understanding its purpose and embracing the right mindset can set the stage for success. Here are 10 things to know about supervised … Read more

getting engaged

What Was This Guy Thinking Getting Engaged In Front Of His Kids?

Getting engaged can be really special, and there are so many romantic ways people can propose: on a boat, in a park, at a romantic dinner, on vacation, or my favorite–in the place where you met or fell in love. Getting engaged, especially for a second marriage is such a beautiful occasion, and something that … Read more

presence not presents

It’s Your Presence, Not Presents that Matters Most

There’s nothing I enjoy more than watching people open presents from me. The anticipation of seeing their faces light up is so exciting and meaningful. Whether it’s little kids fiercely ripping open wrapping paper, or a spouse grinning while opening a gift because he knows what it is, or a girlfriend delicately taking tape off … Read more

children and divorce

Children and Divorce: 3 Things They Will Learn

 Parents are constantly working to instill good values and positive behavior in their children, but kids also learn directly from our actions, even when we’re not actively working to teach them. More often than not, despite our best efforts, children will absorb far more from what we do than what we say. When it comes … Read more

divorce advice for mothers

Divorce Advice For Mothers: 20 Things You Might Want To Say To Your Kids

I have some divorce advice for mothers. Being a divorced mom since 2008, I can say that life hasn’t exactly been easy. But, whose life is easy? What I mean is, whether you are married, divorced, widowed or single, everyone has life challenges. I have lived life as a divorced mom for so long, that … Read more

sharing a nanny

5 Benefits of Divorced Parents Sharing a Nanny

Divorce brings a significant life-long shift in family dynamics, affecting everyone involved, especially children. Managing co-parenting alongside work, personal life, and household responsibilities can quickly become an overwhelming challenge for parents. One innovative solution that more and more divorced parents are exploring is sharing a nanny. Sharing a nanny provides continuity and reduced parenting stress. … Read more

healthy co-parenting

The Benefits of Healthy Co-parenting

When you divorce, you don’t divorce your children.  Nor do you and your spouse end your relationship as parents. It’s not easy, but if you are willing to engage in healthy co-parenting, there are so many benefits for your kids and for you, as well. How you handle your ongoing relationship as parents requires work, … Read more

divorce and children

Divorce and Children: How to Answer Those Tough Questions They Ask

When it comes to divorce and children, there is nothing more gut-wrenchingly sad than when your child, wide-eyed and hopeful, asks you this question: “Are you and dad ever going to get back together?” These and other divorce questions from kids can feel like a punch in the stomach, causing anxiety, guilt and sorrow. There … Read more

change anxiety

Change, Anxiety and Your Kids: Tips From a Parent Mediator

As summer draws to a close, you might find yourself navigating a variety of transitions—camp ends, family vacations, and, of course, the start of a new school year. That’s a lot of change, anxiety and stress over just a few weeks.   These shifts can heighten anxiety for everyone—parents and children alike—especially for neurodiverse children … Read more

how long does child support last

How Long Does Child Support Last? Unfortunately, Not Long Enough

When I was first getting divorced, one of the first questions I asked my attorney was, “How long does child support last?” In the state of Illinois, it lasts until the child is 18, or when he/she graduates from high school. At the time, my kids were 3 and 5 so that seemed like a … Read more

Father with son biking

What Father’s Day Means To An Ex-Wife

When I think of Father’s Day, I think of my dad and always will. But there is another father who is significant on Father’s Day: my ex-husband. Why is he important? Because he is my children’s father. So, regardless of personal feelings, resentment, anger, or frustration that he might bring me, at times, the fact … Read more