Deesha Philyaw's Blog, page 2

Co-Parenting Mentors...Get One, Be One!

Did you know that January is National Mentoring Month?National Mentoring Month was created in 2002 by the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership. They identify mentors as people who have the "ability to listen and to offer friendship, guidance and encouragement." Creating a space for co-parents to connect with each other, be heard, and get advice and encouragement is why we founded Co-Parenting101.org. And while the official focus of National Mentoring...

Co-Parenting Question of the Day: What Are You Leaving Behind in 2013?

Do you typically make New Year's Resolutions? More importantly, do you stick to them? The gym is packed on January 2nd. March 2nd? Not so much.

Sometimes co-parenting resolutions are like that too. You start off with the best intentions. But over time, momentum wanes, life gets in the way, your ex isn't on the same page, and discouragement sets in. And before you know it, you're facing the same conflicts, in the same ways.

But as with any kind of resolution, you don't have to wait until Janu...

Co-Parenting Question of the Day: Is Your Co-Parent on Your Holiday Gift List?

So you've made your list, and checked it twice...And there's one person we're wondering if you've included: your chlld's other parent.

Whether your co-parent is naughty or nice, consider helping your child make or purchase a gift for her other parent. Or, perhaps you can enlist a grandparent or other relative or friend to assist?

Even if your co-parent doesn't reciprocate, this thoughtful gesture lets your child know that you care about the relationships that matter to him. And it further give...

Are YOU a Toxic Co-Parent?

photo by Chris Chidsey

We get lots of emails, tweets, and Facebook comments from parents who are struggling to co-parent with someone who is uncooperative, volatile, vengeful...in a word, toxic. But in the 5+ years since we launched this site, no one has ever contacted us to say, "I'm a difficult, uncooperative, volatile, vengeful, co-parent, and..." It's quite possible that our site is simply an anathema to such co-parents. But it's also possible that someone can be a toxic co-parent and not...

"Co-Parenting Doesn't Have To Be A Battle": A Mom Introduces Her New Partner to Her Ex

Friend of Co-Parenting 101 and co-parenting mom Chanie shares a story about two very special people in her daughter's life meeting for the first time.

Most co-parents have nightmare stories to share like I do...but not this time. Crazy, right? I know I am just as shocked. It happens even when you think it is impossible because of all the co-parenting battles you have fought.

Last month, I picked up my daughter from her father’s house where she spent the weekend. As I have done many times befor...

Co-Parenting Through Tough Times With Art and Love

photo courtesy of Thomas WarmWhen co-parenting dad Kaleb Hill found out his son wasn't doing well in school, he knew immediate action was required. Below, he shares his story with us.

This post is dedicated to my son. I published this on your birthday as a reminder to myself that you’re steady growing into a Black man. Let no one, but you, establish your definition of success for you. I love you.

Nothing is more alarming than a drastic change in your child’s behavior at school when he or she...

Co-Parenting Through The Holidays: "The Kids Can Only Eat One Turkey!"

photo courtesy of Horton Web Design

The holiday season is the time of year when the reality of children living between two households can be the most challenging. So Deesha reached out to our friend, psychologist and single parenting expert Dr. Leah Klungness, to talk about how we can co-parent through the holidays with our kids as our priority...and with our sanity in tact.

Deesha: I love what you said once about how the kids can only eat one turkey for Thanksgiving. It exemplifies the need f...

"My Co-Parent Doesn't Want Our Teen to Date"

photo by S Braswell

We heard from a co-parenting mom recently whose daughter's dad doesn't believe that their teen should date...ever. Mom feels that dating should be permitted, with certain restrictions, but dad doesn't agree.



In our household, dating isn't an issue yet, but we're on the same page about it. But what do you do when you and your co-parent aren't on the same page about something so significant?



We reached out to some co-parents, and here's what they thought about this teen dating...

"My Daughter Wants More One-on-One Time With Her Dad"

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photo by Terri Heisele

Friend of Co-Parenting 101,Dr. Leah Klungness, is the coauthor of the award-winning bookThe Complete Single Mother: Third Edition. Dr. Leahearned her doctorate and license as a psychologist while single parenting her two young children. Anexperienced psychologist and elementary school teacher, Dr. Leah is a sought-after commentator in media such asRedbook, Working Mother,The New York Times, TheBoston Globe,Newsday,Men’s Health, and CNN, and shehas appeared onGood Morning...

"My Co-Parent Remembered That I'm a Mom First"

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photo by Zeeshan Qureshi

A mom in our private Facebook group shared this story recently:

I had my first co-parenting realityon Saturday. My soon-to-be-ex (stbx) offered to keep my son because I had a catering event to prepare for. My son ended up losing his first tooth while he was with his dad. I cried. I have never missed his any of firsts. His dad took photos and sent them to me and wrapped up his tooth for me (I'm a baby book mommy), and he played Tooth Fairy. My son was happy and that is a...