056: Living Together During Separation: Nesting and Early Transitions, with Coparenting Expert Christina McGhee

In this episode of Children First Family Law, Krista sits down with Christina McGhee, a co-parenting expert, mediator, and author of “Parenting Apart: How Separated and Divorced Parents Can Raise Happy and Secure Kids.” Christina brings decades of experience helping families navigate the challenges of separation and divorce, offering practical strategies to support both parents and children during transitions.

Krista and Christina explore the concept of nesting, where parents temporarily share the same home after separation, allowing children to remain in one familiar environment. They discuss how nesting can help parents practice new roles, build trust, and gradually shift responsibilities, while highlighting common challenges such as establishing boundaries, managing expectations, and accommodating children’s preferences.

The conversation also delves into the importance of communication, routines, and consistency for children. Christina shares actionable guidance on setting expectations for “on duty” and “off duty” parenting, fostering healthy parent-child relationships, and preparing children for changes in family structure. They also address societal expectations around mothering and fathering, and the impact of premature introduction of new partners.

Throughout the episode, Christina emphasizes practical, grounded strategies parents can use to navigate co-parenting successfully. She highlights resources for parents, including her website and comprehensive guides, and emphasizes the importance of building resilience in children to cope with uncertainty and change. This episode offers a wealth of actionable insights for parents, professionals, and anyone supporting families through separation and divorce.

In this episode, you will hear:

• What nesting involves and how it supports children during separation
• Ways parents can keep boundaries clear while sharing space
• Emotional and logistical realities of early co-parenting transitions
• The role of communication and shared purpose in making nesting work
• Situations where nesting may not serve a family well
• How professionals can guide parents through early transition planning

Resources from this Episode

Christina McGhee, Divorce Parenting Expert, Trainer, Coach, Author, Education & Training Director: SPLIT Films – Divorce and Children, LLC

coparentingspecialist.com

divorceandchildren.com

Book: Parenting Apart: How Separated and Divorced Parents Can Raise Happy and Secure Kids

www.amazon.com/s?k=parenting+apart+christina+mcghee&crid=3T5BH29G1YY0&sprefix=parenting+apart%2Caps%2C163&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-pd-dpltr-ranker_2_15

divorceandchildren.com/about-christina-mcghee

www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com

All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation. 

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Episode Credits

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