Episode 203 - How To Coparent With A Toxic Ex

Today, Mardi Winder welcomes Jenni Rock, an author, speaker, and coach specializing in helping parents recover from toxic co-parenting breakdowns. The discussion focuses on the often-overlooked impact of divorce on children when one parent displays toxic or manipulative behaviors. Drawing from her personal experience, Jenni speaks candidly about the emotional challenges and long-term effects these situations can have on children, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing harmful patterns before they become deeply rooted.

Jenni outlines some of the common behaviors parents face in these circumstances, ranging from false allegations to parental alienation and gaslighting, and highlights how children can inadvertently become tools in ongoing conflicts. Throughout the episode, she offers insightful strategies for communication and boundary-setting, advocating for practical approaches such as limited, essential messaging, neutral handovers, and using technology to minimize emotional confrontation.

Mardi and Jenni also touch on the delicate balance of honesty and emotional safety when speaking with children affected by conflict and negative influences. Jenni stresses the importance of fostering open dialogue without placing blame, and encouraging children to feel secure sharing their feelings. For parents who have lost access to their children due to toxicity or manipulation, Jenni suggests ways to heal from trauma and stay connected, including keeping a log or email account for messages to be shared later in life.

About the Guest:

Jenni Rock is a Co-Parenting without Conflict expert with four years of experience. Jenni has been instrumental in helping divorced parents exit toxic relationships and redefine their communication patterns to prioritize the needs of their children. Having gone through a marriage littered with Domestic Abuse, manipulation, gaslighting and coercive behaviour became the norm.

Her separation from her ex was very traumatic not only for her but for her son who was age 3 at the time. When Jenni finally instated strong boundaries to protect herself and her son, there was an explosion of abuse which then had to be addressed using Police support and support not only for Jenni but for her son too. Her son became very poorly as a result of the complex PTSD, and Jenni had to contend with trying to work, support her son, and heal herself all at the same time. It's been a journey!

For Jenni’s gift: https://1drv.ms/w/c/ca499b89cefc9e76/EZ9CMPRD17lBtOK8AxpIX7ABMNaVWCpnSLViwuf01kxdow?e=1NprJn

To connect with Jenni:

Check out my webinar: https://pages.coparentingwithoutconflict.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenni-rock-uk-s-leading-parental-alienation-and-coparenting-breakdown-specialist-293768b2/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090676011227