296: Karen Bonnell: Co-Parenting in Marriage, Separation, and Divorce

Karen has over 30 years of experience working with couples and families facing transition, loss, growth and change.  Her 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.

“The Parenting Plan Workbook” followed with contributor Felicia Malsby Soleil, JD.  And most recently,  Karen and Patricia Papernow, PhD released The Stepfamily Handbook, for parents ready to date and hoping to one day successfully create a stepfamily. 

As a teacher, trainer, facilitator, Karen played an instrumental role in developing the year-long facilitator training program for the Compassionate Listening Project. As a certified Compassionate Listening trainer, Karen utilizes this heart-centered approach to authentic speaking and capable listening used around the world in high-conflict situations such as Israel/Palestine. Her deep listening skills make all the difference working with co-parent pairs in conflict as they find their way through the pain of divorce into a future with optimism.

Listen in to hear Karen share:

• How to parallel parent if integrated co parenting is not possible
• When you should see a co parent coach
• How to know when kids are really struggling with divorce/restructuring of family
• How to know when kids are ready for you to introduce new partners into your family unit
• What to do when your partner is not capable of co parenting
• How reading the Co Parent Manual can improve, and potentially save, your marriage NOW

Links Mentioned:

• Connect with Karen: https://coachmediateconsult.com
• Subscribe to Karen’s Youtube channel
• Karen’s Book: The Co Parenting Handbook

Thank you to our sponsors:

• Hourglass Cosmetics: Get free shipping with your purchase of a full sized Caution Mascara at hourglasscosmetics.com/shameless and use the promo code SHAMELESS at checkout.
• Katie’s Crib podcast: Check out this new podcast hosted by new mom Katie Lowes, who played Quinn on the hit show Scandal.  Check out Katie’s Crib on shondaland.com or anywhere you listen to podcasts.