Our Guest for Today's Episode:

Darlene Taylor

Darlene Taylor, MSW, CPC, is a former licensed social worker and certified coach with over 15 years of experience helping families navigate co-parenting after divorce. Specializing in creating positive, supportive environments for children, Darlene’s book, It's Not About Us: A Co-Parenting Survival Guide for Taking the High Road, combines personal and professional insights to provide practical strategies for effective co-parenting. Outside of her work, Darlene is an obstacle course race enthusiast, enjoys staying active, and loves spending time with her daughter in Los Angeles. As a dedicated advocate for single-parent families, she works to break stigma and promote resilience, love, and understanding in evolving family dynamics.

Darlene's Website

Check her book and journal below:

Divorce Support Partners

• Barnes and Noble link
• Amazon link for journal
• Amazon link for book : It's Not About Us

Story of her challenges with co-parenting with her college coach ex

Stories of her relationship with her daughter's stepmom

Having Bonus Kids and Having a Bonus Mom for her Daughter

Parenting Plans Vs. Parenting Time

Creating flexibility in scheduling, learning to support one another

collaboration vs. combative

In this episode of the Better Than Bitter™ Divorce Podcast, host Tania Leichliter speaks with Darlene Taylor, a former licensed social worker and certified coach, about her journey to achieving an amicable divorce. They discuss the importance of emotional healing, flexibility in parenting plans, and the role of communication in co-parenting. Darlene shares her insights on separating the partner from the parent, the benefits of having bonus parents, and the significance of maintaining a positive relationship for the sake of the children. The conversation concludes with practical tips for navigating divorce and co-parenting successfully.

• Amicable divorces are possible with effort and intention.
• Emotional healing is crucial before entering legal negotiations.
• Flexibility in parenting plans is essential for co-parenting success.
• Communication is key to maintaining a positive co-parenting relationship.
• Separating the partner from the parent helps in focusing on the child's needs.
• Bonus parents can provide additional love and support for children.
• It's important to prioritize the child's well-being over personal grievances.
• Creating a renewable marriage contract could foster intentional relationships.
• Being vulnerable can lead to more grace in communication.
• The gift of an amicable relationship benefits the children immensely.

"Divorce doesn't have to be a battleground."

"I wanted to have an amicable relationship."

"You have to acknowledge what's going on."

"One of you has to get on the high road first."

"You can have a positive relationship or be vengeful."

"There is never too much love that's given to children."

"Flexibility is key in co-parenting."

00:00 Introduction to Amicable Divorce

02:59 Darlene's Journey to an Amicable Divorce

06:02 Navigating the Tough Stuff

08:54 Creating a Flexible Parenting Plan

12:10 The Importance of Communication

14:53 Separating Partner from Parent

18:03 The Role of Bonus Parents

21:14 The Gift of an Amicable Relationship

24:10...