Episode #200: The Co-Parenting Handbook with Karen Bonnell

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In this episode, Steph interviews Karen Bonell, Collaborative Divorce Coach and author of “The Co-Parenting Handbook” on the topic of co-parenting. They discuss ways parents can support their children, strengthen their co-parenting, and discover necessary tools to create a two-home family. Karen provides a roadmap, answers, and tools to ensure kids and co-parents thrive. If you’re in the middle of a divorce or have been divorced for years, you’ll find Karen’s guidance reassuring and learn how to move forward with confidence and optimism. If you know someone who is finding their way through divorce and has come to you for help, send them a link to this episode.

Topics Discussed:

Key steps parents can take to reduce the impact of separation/divorce
The “best age” to initiate divorce
What to do if you can’t co-parent with your spouse
How to figure out what’s best for your kids when planning their two-home future
Where to start with navigating finances and major decisions
Who to have on your team to navigate this process
Advice for friends/family members

Show Notes:

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This episode’s sponsor

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This episode’s guest

Karen has over 30 years of experience working with couples and families facing transition, loss, growth and change. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Karen has been board certified and licensed as an Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner since 1982. She served on the faculty of University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University & Seattle Pacific University before beginning full-time private practice in 1984. She regularly writes for, speaks to and trains health care and legal professionals.

Karen’s work as a Collaborative Divorce Coach spurred her determination to write “The Co-Parenting Handbook” “ with Kristin Little, Child Specialist. Parents learn the best ways to support their children, strengthen their co-parenting, and discover the necessary tools to skillfully create a two-home family.