Karen Bonnell - Have you tried a parenting plan?

04/12/16 • -1 min

Our Scott Docherty talks with Karen Bonnell of Coach Mediate Consult, Seattle, author of the hugely practical and inspirational Co-Parents' and Parenting Plan Handbooks. In this interview, Karen talks about what a parenting plan is, what it can cover in your separation or divorce, the challenges that might get in the way of creating a plan, and most vitally how those challenges can be overcome.
One of the quotes in Karen's wonderful books is by her co-author Kristin Little, that "learning to co-operate with your children's other parent doesn't always mean agreement; it doesn't always means you have good feelings towards that other parent. It means that your love and care for your child is stronger than your anger and sadness, and your desire for peace is greater than your desire to be 'right'." Watching and listening to Karen on this subject may well hit home that point for you, and help you find a fresh perspective in your transition beyond separation.

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#audioCALM with Alan Susskind of Harper Macleod

This interview features Alan Susskind of Harper Macleod, Glasgow. Alan talks about choosing the right dispute resolution process when you separate and approach a family lawyer. He explains the various options your lawyer should lay out for you in working out what type of process might lend itself to resolving your issues, whether that may be negotiation, mediation, collaborative law, arbitration, or litigation.
Breaking those options down, Alan takes some time to explain the different approaches you can take to resolve those issues with your ex-partner or spouse, and how important it is to find the path most appropriate for you and, if you have any, for your children. He considers also why mediation and collaborative law might not have kicked off in Scotland as much as perhaps they could have in recent years, and ends with a very informative key message for those of you who are thinking of making an appointment with a family lawyer.

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Bill Eddy - On conflict, mediation & new ways for families

This immensely practical interview features Bill Eddy, President of the innovative High Conflict Institute in San Diego and pioneer of simple techniques to reduce conflict in, amongst other things, separation.
During the discussion Bill whips out his second brain to explain what's going on internally when we act or react in conflict, and tells us some amazing tricks to switch high conflict people into problem-solving mode in only a few seconds. Applying his methods in and around mediation sessions could have a powerful effect on its chances of success, and we would highly recommend those separating as well as professionals in mediation or litigation to take note.
We could have talked for hours on end with Bill on this subject but, quite miraculously, have managed to condense a great deal of his outstanding work into just over 40 minutes! Bill takes us through some of the cutting-edge developments he has introduced across the pond, including the BIFF Response method and the life-changing New Ways For Families project that's gradually but systematically changing the face of family conflict resolution in California. The online model of NW4F is now extending this revolution across the globe, so in separation you can now access this wonderful resource no matter where you live.
Enjoy this little interview, therefore, and start thinking about learning some new skills in handling your conflict before making the big decisions after separation.