Are you saying “yes” just to keep the peace—while quietly losing yourself in the process? If you feel trapped between avoiding conflict and honoring your own needs, you’re not alone. Amy Ballantyne, executive coach and host of Power to the People Pleasers, breaks down how people-pleasing patterns show up in co-parenting—and how to start setting boundaries without guilt, escalation, or self-abandonment.
Learn more about Amy Ballantyne at: https://www.amyballantyne.com/
Get the BestInterest Coparenting App: https://bestinterest.app/
Other Resources Mentioned:
• Celebrate Yourself by Amy Ballantyne
• Power to the People Pleasers Podcast
Subscribe to our newsletter to hear about new episodes and build community: https://bestinterest.app/subscribe-podcast/
Watch This Episode: https://youtu.be/hV6YuttGURU
Keywords
people pleasing in relationships, co-parenting boundaries, high conflict co-parenting, setting boundaries with ex, self worth and boundaries, people pleaser recovery, communication skills co-parenting, conflict avoidance psychology, parenting after divorce, emotional intelligence parenting
Takeaways
- The Approval Trap: How early conditioning drives people-pleasing—and shows up in co-parenting communication.
- The Boundary Reset: Identify your non-negotiables before the conversation so you don’t default to “yes.”
- The “No Without Drama” Method: Use simple, respectful language (even just “no”) without over-explaining.
- The Win-Win Lens: Shift from control to collaboration by finding outcomes that work for both parents and kids.
- The Self-Worth Link: Why stronger boundaries come from self-love—and how to start building it.
- The Pattern Breaker: What your child learns from your boundaries—and how to model healthier dynamics.
Chapters
00:00 The People-Pleasing Trap
01:00 From Helper to Coach
02:00 The Approval Pattern in Co-Parenting
03:00 Where People Pleasing Begins
05:00 The Biggest Myth About People Pleasers
06:30 Why Saying No Feels So Hard
08:30 Boundaries vs. Self-Abandonment
10:00 Big Picture vs. Petty Fights
12:00 When Co-Parenting Feels Impossible
13:30 Setting Boundaries That Stick
15:00 How to Say No Without Escalating
17:00 What Kids Learn From Your Patterns
19:00 Teaching Boundaries to Your Child
22:00 The Link Between Self-Worth and Boundaries
23:30 A Simple Self-Love Practice
24:30 Handling Disrespect Without Losing Yourself
27:00 Lightning Round: Boundaries & Self-Respect
31:00 One Step to Start Changing Today
What if your co-parent’s toxic messages never even reached you? Thousands of parents are already finding peace with the BestInterest Coparenting App. As a listener, you can too. Claim 40% off an annual subscription here: https://bestinterest.app/beyond
Popular Podcasts
Hey Jonas!
Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by Audiochuck Media Company.
Betrayal Weekly
Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.