Are you a parent about to embark on the journey of shared parenting?
If you're feeling overwhelmed at the thought of co-parenting, don't worry! I've got your back. Check out our list of the 10 best co-parenting books and learn everything you need to know about making this transition as smooth as possible.
With these books, you'll be able to set boundaries, deal with conflict, and make sure that both you and your child are happy and thriving. Co-parenting doesn't have to be complicated—these books will show you how it's done!
Keep reading to find out how to get started on your journey to successful co-parenting!
How I Choose
Co-parenting can be hard, but with the right tools, it can be a lot easier.
It's no secret that co-parenting is hard. In fact, it's one of the most difficult things you'll ever do. But with the right tools, it can be a lot easier.
That's where this list comes in handy. The following list of books is designed to help you co-parent more effectively. I've combed through thousands and chosen the top 5 based on certain criteria that matter most: parent ratings, the number of times mentioned by others in their reviews, as well as my personal experience with them—all geared towards helping readers like yourself succeed at being partners/parents.
This beloved story gives readers a glimmer of hope in difficult times, reminding us that although we may not have our loved ones physically present, their essence will always be with us. It provides comfort to children and adults alike when dealing with separation, divorce or loss - allowing them to reconnect through the power of love even from afar. An inspiring reminder for all ages that those who left can still be felt close by!
Why do I love this book?
The Invisible String became a best-selling children's book. The book, which is aimed at elementary-aged kids and is also beneficial for adult children as well, offers a simple, yet powerful way to deal with loneliness.
It was eventually translated into fifteen languages. It has been adopted by schools, social services, hospices, hospitals, and many other organizations. The book has also been used in prison systems and bereavement support groups.
In addition to The Invisible String, Karst has written several other books. She has also co-authored a workbook, The Invisible String Workbook. These books celebrate the universal connection between people.
The Invisible String has helped many children cope with separation, loss, and other difficult situations. It's also been adopted by grief groups, hospitals, and other organizations, and is recommended by hospices and divorce attorneys.
What you should know?
Known for its heartwarming story and reassuring message, it is a story of love that reaches far and wide. Its message is based on the idea that when we lose a loved one, we will still be able to feel their presence. This simple concept can help children and adult children of all ages, whether they're dealing with separation, death, or long-distance divorce. It also provides a way for adults to understand their own emotions.
The Invisible String was written by Patrice Karst for her son, Elijah. The concept grew out of a story Karst told her son when he was young. She told him that when he missed his mom, he could feel her tugging on his heart. In her book, the children imagine invisible strings connecting people all over the world.
In a world where so many children are dealing with separation, The Invisible String provides a simple, but effective, way for children to overcome their loneliness. The book is a best-seller and has been used by psychologists, teachers, hospitals, hospices, and social service agencies. It has also been translated into 13 languages.
Lara Carter's "Co-Parenting Nightmare" is an insightful, encouraging look at the tricky terrain of shared parenting. Through drawing upon both her own divorce story and those of others in similar situations, she provides invaluable advice for dealing with communication difficulties and navigating conflict - all delivered in a positive light that will be especially helpful to anyone facing this daunting task.
Why do I love this book?
There are a lot of things that can go wrong when co-parenting, and Lara Carter's book Co-Parenting Nightmare lays them all out. If you're thinking of co-parenting or are already in the thick of it, this book is a must-read. Here are some of the things you'll learn:
What to do if your ex refuses to communicate with you about co-parenting decisions.
How to effectively co-parent with a narcissist.
What to do if your child starts acting out after spending time with the other parent.
Lara Carter's book is full of invaluable advice for anyone who is navigating the often tricky world of co-parenting. If you're looking for guidance on how to make co-parenting work, this is the book for you.
What you should know?
Nightmare by Lara Carter is about the challenges and rewards of co-parenting. The book covers a wide range of topics, from how to communicate with your ex-partner to how to deal with conflict.
Carter draws on her own experiences as a divorced parent, as well as those of other parents, to provide readers with practical advice and support. Ultimately, "Co-Parenting Nightmare" is a positive and realistic portrayal of co-parenting that will be invaluable to anyone facing this challenge.
Co-Parenting With a Narcissist is an invaluable resource for anyone dealing with the unique challenges of raising children alongside someone exhibiting narcissistic tendencies. It provides readers with real insight into how narcissists think and behave, as well as practical advice on living in harmony despite often difficult circumstances.
Why do I love this book?
I love the book Co-Parenting With a Narcissist because it offers insight into the mind of a narcissist. It helps to explain why they behave the way they do and offers some practical advice on how to deal with them. One of the things I appreciate about the book is that it doesn't try to paint all narcissists in a negative light.
Sure, they can be difficult to deal with, but the book makes it clear that they're not necessarily bad people. They're just people who have a different way of looking at the world. If you're looking for some help dealing with a narcissistic co-parent, then this book is definitely worth checking out.
What you should know?
Melanie Parker's book Co-Parenting With a Narcissist is a much-needed guide for anyone who finds themselves in the challenging situation of sharing parenting duties with a narcissist. Melanie is a clinical psychologist with years of experience working with families in conflict, and she brings this expertise to bear in her book.
She provides readers with practical advice on how to deal with narcissistic parents, how to protect themselves from emotional manipulation, and how to put their children's needs first. Co-Parenting With a Narcissist is an essential read for anyone who is struggling to manage their co-parenting relationship.
If you're a parent struggling with raising children in the face of an uncaring narcissist, this book is your saving grace. It's essential to help guide and reclaim beloved young ones from the damaging influence
Why do I love this book?
Getting through childhood with a borderline or narcissistic parent is not always easy. Experts suggest that you should work together as a team to help your child. The book is written in a way that allows you to understand how to respond to your child and the problems they might be experiencing.
The authors have provided science-based, practical strategies to help you raise resilient, healthy children. They have also provided a step-by-step process to help you process the difficult events that occur in your child's life.
Raising Resilient Children With a Borderline or Narcissistic Parent is more than just a how-to guide. It's also a healing spa for your wounded soul. It's designed to help you overcome your child's challenges so they can flourish.
It's no secret that a child raised by a narcissistic parent suffers from low self-esteem, which can lead to feelings of worthlessness. But the book explains how to help your child develop self-esteem and resilience.
What you should know?
Taking care of your children and dealing with a narcissistic parent can be a challenge, but there are steps you can take to make the process more bearable. Luckily, there are books on the market to guide you along the way. It covers all aspects of co-parenting with a narcissist, from dealing with their behavior to figuring out what works for you and your children.
The book also gives you the tools you need to make a difference in your child's life. This is not just about coping with the abuse, it also means making your child feel loved and cared for. The authors use a lot of science and statistics to make their point. They also provide a wealth of examples and teaching materials.
The book demonstrates the best ways to manage a child's emotions and how to protect your children from being used by their narcissists. The book is a must-read for anyone dealing with a narcissist. Whether you are in the throes of a relationship or just trying to make your ex understand that you are not their parent, this book will help you see your children again.
The book is the best guide on the subject for parents and provides useful guidance to help you reclaim your children from the clutches of an uncaring narcissist.
An uplifting book that will show you how you can help your child understand and accept their new family situation.
Why do I love this book?
Whether you have a child who is going through a divorce or a child who is separated from their family, Two Homes is an uplifting book that will show you how you can help your child understand and accept their new family situation. This book is perfect for young children, ages 3–7. The book is written in the voice of a seven-year-old boy and is full of illustrations that depict the day-to-day life of the boy and his family. It is a very simple story that will help your child understand the situation and realize that they are equally loved in both homes.
Alex the Splitter is a child who has two homes, one with his mom and one with his dad. He is happy in both homes, and his parents love him. The text and illustrations are both bright and colorful. The illustrations are very inviting, bold, and warm. The text flows nicely with the illustrations, making it a great picture book to read with your child after a divorce.
This book will be an excellent addition to your child's library. It will help your child understand that they are equally loved in both homes and that you will always love them as long as you both live.
What you should know?
Using a child's voice to tell the story of his life after a divorce, Two Homes by Claire Masurel is a sensitively illustrated children's book that encourages children to embrace change. This is a great book for kids ages 3-7.
Two Homes by Claire Masurel tells the story of a child who lives in two homes, one with Mommy and one with Daddy. In the book, Alex keeps his soft chair at Mom's house and his rocking chair at
dad's house. The book also describes the two kitchens, bedrooms, and other things that make each home unique. The illustrations are warm and inviting, with an attractive watercolor finish. The book is a great way to reassure a child that he is equally loved in both homes.
The book is best read on its own before you introduce it to your child. It is not only a picture book, but it also includes a mini-tour of both homes and discussion questions to ponder afterward. This book is also a good resource for parents, as it includes suggestions for dealing with divorce.
Two Homes by Claire Masurel is based on a real story, and the author makes a point of letting children know that their parents love them no matter where they live. The book is not an overly detailed story, but it is a great read for kids and a good reminder that parents love children regardless of where they live.
Honorable Mentions
You've just read my list of the best books, but now you're thinking "What about the other books?"
There are a lot of books out there, and it can be hard to know which ones are worth your time. With so many options, how do you find the best books?
I've got you covered. Here are a few more titles that didn't quite make it onto my list, but are still worth reading. Check them out and see for yourself what makes them special.
Building Love Together in Blended Families
I love the book Building Love Together in Blended Families by Gary Chapman because it offers practical, useful advice for stepfamilies. Chapman has a lot of experience working with families, and he really understands the unique challenges that blended families face.
He provides clear instructions for how to navigate common conflict situations, build positive relationships, and create a healthy family dynamic. I appreciate that he doesn't sugarcoat the challenges of stepfamily life - he acknowledges that it can be difficult, but he also provides hope that it is possible to overcome the challenges and build a strong, loving family.
Blend
Taking the best bits from a number of reputable sources and mixing them up, Mashonda Tifrere has come up with the Blend: The Secret to Co-Parenting. In this book, Tifrere reveals her secrets to creating a winning co-parenting partnership. She shares the best co-parenting tips and strategies from her own experiences and those of other successful blending families.
The book is especially geared toward singles and is a must-read for those contemplating life after divorce. Mashonda Tifrere shares her top co-parenting tips and tricks to ensure that your kids are happy and healthy. Whether you're just deciding to co-parent, have a child in the works, or are considering dating someone with kids, this book will guide you through the pitfalls of the co-parenting game.
The book also boasts a number of interviews with notable co-parents, including Hill Harper, the Harvard attorney, and Alicia Keys. It's also not surprising that Keys is the author of the book's foreword.
Moms Moving On
Among many things, the most important is putting your kids in a safe, loving, and supportive environment. This can be tricky, particularly in the face of a divorce. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to make it a bit easier for everyone involved. This is where Moms Moving On comes in. Michelle Dempsey-Multack is a certified divorce and co-parenting specialist who will help you navigate the waters.
She is a bestselling author with several books to her credit. She also writes for Parents magazine. Among her many accomplishments, she is a mom of three who has survived a messy divorce. She is also the founder of Moms Moving On, a site that helps parents navigate the waters of divorce. Besides helping you navigate the divorce waters, she can also offer advice on raising a single-parent family. Ultimately, she is a pillar of strength and living proof that you can move on from your past and enjoy the best days of your life.
Combative to Collaborative
Whether you are just beginning your co-parenting journey, or you have been doing it for years, Teresa Harlow's new book, Combative to Collaborative: The Co-Parenting Code, will give you a road map to co-parenting success. This book will help you improve your life, and the lives of your children, through practical tips and creative techniques.
In this book, Harlow lays out a four-step formula to transform parenting after divorce. It provides concrete steps for co-parenting success and helps to put the brakes on combative behaviors. She covers a variety of topics, including uncoupling, living arrangements, extracurricular activities, money, and potential reconciliations. Her advice is grounded in the golden rule, and she encourages you to be intentional, as well as matter-of-fact. The book also provides tips for how to communicate effectively with your children's other parents.
The Co-Parenting Handbook
Using a co-parent to raise your children can be a challenging task, but the best of both worlds is possible, even if the two of you are not all that fond of each other. The Co-Parenting Handbook, courtesy of the folks at the Center for Relational Development, provides the tools and strategies to help you navigate this challenging transition. The book is a well-written guide, packed with a bevy of valuable information. The handbook is written in a nifty business style that will keep you on the straight and narrow as you navigate your new family life. It is a worthwhile investment.
The book's author, Karen Bonnell, is a highly sought-after expert who has lent her expertise to many individuals over the years. She is also a regular speaker on subjects related to co-parenting. The handbook is a valuable resource that can be utilized by all parties in the relationship, from the ex to the kids.
Between Two Homes
Having worked in the field of co-parenting for more than two decades, Bradley Craig has a solid grasp of what is needed to make co-parenting work for both parties. He is a certified family life educator and a licensed social worker in the Tarrant County Family Court Services Department. Previously, he was an adjunct professor of social work at the University of Texas at Arlington.
Aside from being a licensed social worker, Bradley Craig also holds a Master of Social Work degree from UTA. In addition to his work at the DRT, he has been a guest speaker on a wide variety of topics in the field of co-parenting. He has even authored several publications on the topic.
The right book for you!
So, if you’re looking for a great read on co-parenting, check out some of the books I’ve listed. And remember, there is no one perfect way to raise children—what works for one family may not work for another. But hopefully, these books will help get you started on your own co-parenting journey.
Co Parent FAQs
Parenting can be tough, and when you add co-parenting into the mix, it can feel downright impossible at times.
I've compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions about co-parenting so that you can arm yourself with the information you need to make this process a little bit easier.
What are the three types of co-parenting?
There are three types of co-parenting: parallel, cooperative, and collaborative.
Parallel co-parenting is when parents maintain separate households and make decisions about their children independently. This type of co-parenting can be difficult because it can lead to conflict between the parents.
Cooperative co-parenting is when parents work together to make decisions about their children and cooperate with each other to raise them. This type of co-parenting communication is beneficial because it leads to less conflict between the parents.
Collaborative co-parenting is the best type of co-parenting because it involves both cooperation and collaboration. In this type of co-parenting, the two parents work together to make decisions about their children and also work with each other to raise them.
What are the keys to successful co-parenting?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the keys to successful co-parenting will vary depending on the individual situation and relationship between the parents. However, some general tips that may be useful include setting clear boundaries and expectations, communicating effectively and respectfully, and putting the child's needs first.
It's also important to remember that co-parenting is a challenge, but it can also be incredibly rewarding if both parents are willing to put in the effort. So don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and celebrate each victory along the way!
How do I get better at co-parenting?
by accepting that co-parenting is a journey rather than a destination after parents divorce. There will be good days and bad days, but it's important to always keep the lines of communication open between both parents.
Kids need two stable homes with two loving, caring parents in order to grow up healthy and happy. If you can put your egos aside and work together for the betterment of your children, then you're already on the right track. Co-parenting isn't easy, but it's definitely worth the effort.
How do I learn to co-parent?
It's not easy to learn how to co-parent, but it's worth it! Here are a few tips to help you get started:
1. Communicate with your partner frequently and openly. This is essential for a positive co-parenting relationship!
2. Establish shared goals and priorities for your child, and try to agree on as many decisions as possible. This will help reduce the amount of conflict between you and your partner or ex-partner as well.
3. Make time for yourself, and don't feel guilty about it! You must take time to relax and recharge in order to be a good parent to your child.
4. Try to put your differences aside and focus on the things that unite you as
What is a narcissistic Coparent?
A narcissistic Coparent is a parent who puts their own needs above the needs of their child. This can manifest in many ways, such as constantly seeking validation from their child, using the child to meet their own emotional needs, or expecting the child to always be available to them.
Narcissistic Coparenting can be very damaging to a child, as it deprives them of the love and support they need in order to grow and thrive. It can also lead to a lot of chaos and instability in the home, as the narcissistic parent will often change their rules and expectations on a whim.
If you are dealing with a narcissistic Coparent, it is important to put your own needs first and protect yourself.
What should co-parenting not do?
Co-parenting should not do the following:
1) It should not pit co-parents against each other. This will only make things more difficult for the children and can cause long-term damage.
2) It should not limit communication between co-parents. The more they communicate, the better equipped they will be to make decisions that are best for their children.
3) It should not ignore the feelings of the children. They need to feel loved and supported by both parents, no matter what.
4) It should not try to replace or interfere with the relationship that the child has with their other parent. That is important and needs to be nurtured.
Should co-parents talk every day?
It depends on the co-parents. Ideally, they should talk every day to ensure that their child is getting the support they need from both parents. However, if the co-parents are not getting along, it might be better for them to communicate only as needed to ensure the child's well-being.
What are the four C's of parenting?
The four C's of parenting children are consistency, communication, compassion, and carrots (as in rewards).
Consistency is key; always be sure to follow through on what you say you'll do. Communication is also essential; parents need to be open and honest with their kids and listen carefully to what they have to say. Compassion is important in order to help children feel understood and supported. And lastly, carrots (or rewards) can be a great way to motivate kids and teach them good habits.
What are the 5 positive parenting skills?
1. Positive reinforcement: Giving your child positive reinforcement for good behavior helps to build a strong foundation of trust and cooperation.
2. Setting limits and expectations: Establishing clear rules and limits for your child helps them feel safe and secure, while also teaching them responsibility.
3. Encouraging independence: Giving your child opportunities to learn and grow through exploration and self-expression helps them develop a sense of independence and confidence.
4. Handling discipline calmly and effectively: Discipline can be difficult, but it's important to remain calm and consistent when dealing with challenging behavior.
5. Showing love and support: Above all, children need to feel loved and supported by their parents and other family members in order to thrive and reach their full potential. A child-friendly path of care by spending quality time with them, being available to talk about difficult topics, and offering words of encouragement.