Co-Parenting Champions with Dr. Celeste Simmons

DrCeleste
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Parenting
  • Updated Daily

Co-Parenting Champions is hosted by Dr. Celeste Simmons, forensic psychologist, expert witness, and strategic partner for family law issues. This is the space where parents learn to shift their approach, build the life they actually want, and show up for their kids, regardless of what the other parent does. Every episode gives you one new way to think about your situation before you decide what to do next. Short, practical episodes built for real co-parenting life. No fluff. No endless task lists. Just clear strategies you can actually use. And if you’re not a co-parent, these strategies can still apply. Learning to focus on where you want to go instead of what you don’t want changes everything. Co-parenting doesn’t come with a playbook… but together, we can figure out how to play the game. 🎙️ Hosted by Dr. Celeste Simmons, Forensic Psychologist  🌐 drcelestephd.com

  1. May 20

    14....The Story You Know About Your Co-Parent, Is it True?

    Summary In this episode, Dr. Celeste Simmons explores how the stories we tell ourselves about our co-parenting relationships shape our interactions and decisions. She introduces practical tools like the Story Lens to help parents detach from unhelpful narratives and make more strategic, child-focused choices. Keywords co-parenting, storytelling, mental models, communication, conflict resolution, Story Lens, parenting strategies, emotional intelligence Key topics The impact of stories on co-parenting behavior The Story Lens framework for separating facts from narratives How to identify and challenge unhelpful stories about co-parenting Practical steps to reframe narratives for better interactions The importance of curiosity and objectivity in co-parenting Takeaways Your stories about your co-parent are not facts, they are narratives shaped by past experiences. Operating from a story can lead to reactive and exhausting interactions. The Story Lens helps you identify the origin, trigger, facts, reaction, and most effective response. Reframing your story allows for more strategic and child-focused decisions. Clarity and certainty are not the same; stories can feel true but may not be accurate. Titles Breaking Free from Co-Parenting Stories: The Story Lens Method How Your Inner Narratives Sabotage Co-Parenting Success Sound bites "Living inside a story shapes every decision." "Clarity and certainty are not the same." "Strip out interpretation and focus on facts." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Co-Parenting Strategies 05:31 Understanding the Impact of Stories Resources Co-Parenting Reality Check Proximity Audit Work with Dr. Celeste

    11 min

  2. May 13

    13. Are Your Kids Getting the Best of You? Or, What's Left of You?

    Summary Dr. Celeste Simmons shares practical strategies for co-parenting, focusing on relational proximity and emotional presence to improve parent-child relationships amidst co-parenting challenges. Keywords co-parenting, relational proximity, emotional presence, parenting strategies, family dynamics Key topics Relational proximity and emotional presence in parentingThe impact of emotional state on parent-child relationshipsStrategies to improve relational access and attunementThe proximity check and emotional regulation techniquesShifting focus from effort to relational quality Takeaways Your kids measure your love by your presence, not your effort.Relational proximity is about where you are emotionally, not physically.Children manage their parents' emotions, not just their own needs. Quality time is less important than attuned, emotionally available presence.Relational access is given to conflict and stress, not just loved ones. Themes The 4 Key Steps to Being Fully Present for Your KidsHow to Reclaim Your Relational Space in Co-Parenting Sound bites "Your kids measure your love by your presence, not your effort." "Relational proximity is about where you are emotionally." "Show up as a stable, attuned, emotionally available parent." Check Your Own Proximity Book with Dr. Celeste

    10 min

  3. May 6

    12. This May Not Be the Mother's Day You Planned, and That's Okay

    Summary Dr. Celeste Simmons offers practical strategies for honest and healthy Mother’s Day experiences, especially for mothers navigating grief, separation, and complex emotions. This episode emphasizes self-awareness, honest reflection, and adaptable standards to foster emotional well-being. Keywords Mother’s Day, grief, co-parenting, mental health, self-awareness, emotional resilience, parenting strategies, mental health tips, honest motherhood, coping mechanisms Key Topics Honest motherhood and grief The GPS framework (Goal, Position, Standard) Managing expectations and standards on difficult days The importance of self-awareness and honesty in parenting Practical tools for emotional resilience takeaways Grief doesn’t take holidays; it’s ongoing and needs acknowledgment. Honest reflection about where you are is essential for moving forward. Adjusting standards on hard days helps maintain emotional health. The GPS framework helps clarify goals, current position, and standards. Mother’s Day can be honest and meaningful even if it’s not perfect. Titles The Honest Mother’s Day: Embracing Your True Feelings 5 Steps to Navigate Mother’s Day When It’s Hard sound bites "Grief doesn’t take holidays; it’s ongoing." "Adjust your standards to match the terrain." "Mother’s Day can be honest and meaningful." Resources Co-Parenting Reality Check Proximity Audit Work with Dr. Celeste

    9 min

  4. Apr 29

    11. The Boundary Is Not the Problem...You Set It. They Crossed It. Now What?

    Mastering Boundary Crossings in Co-Parenting: The A.I.R. Framework In this episode, Dr. Celeste Simmons shares practical strategies for navigating boundary crossings with your co-parent. Learn how understanding the underlying conflict, assessing the situation, and responding appropriately can improve your co-parenting dynamic and protect your children’s well-being. Key Topics The importance of viewing boundary crossings as distress signals rather than communication failuresHow to assess whether boundary violations are one-time issues or recurring patternsThe AIR framework: Assessment, Insight, Response – for effective conflict managementWhy matching your response to the level of conflict prevents escalationThe dangers of reacting with low-conflict tools to high-conflict situationsPractical steps to interrupt escalation cycles before they become criticalEffects of boundary violations on children’s sense of stability and safety Key Take Aways - Introduction to co-parenting boundaries and why they matter - What if your boundary is crossed despite clear communication? - Boundary violations are signals, not just problems - Example of Cameron’s boundary issues with their co-parent - Understanding escalation and the importance of the conflict continuum - The concept that "the boundary isn’t the problem" - Consequences of unaddressed boundary violations - Signs that boundary violations are escalating - How boundary breaches reinforce negative patterns and impact children - The cost of mismatched responses and importance of appropriate tools - Introducing the AIR framework: Assess, Insight, Response - Step 1: Assess the pattern and recurrence - Step 2: Gain insight into where the conflict sits on the continuum - Step 3: Respond at the appropriate level to prevent escalation Resources & Links Free Co-Parenting Reality Check Proximity Audit Book with me Connect with Dr. Celeste LinkedInInstagram

    11 min

  5. Apr 22

    10. Your AI Co-Parenting Coach is Here...But Can it Actually Help You? With Dr. Katrina Roundfield

    Summary The conversation explores the role of AI in co-parenting, addressing the mental load and emotional health of mothers, and providing personalized guidance and support.  In this episode, Dr. Celeste Simmons interviews Dr. Katrina Roundfield and delves into the evidence-based approach in Tara, an AI parenting partner, the impact of mental load on mothers, child development, and its personalized feedback. Also discussed are the nuances of co-parenting, the philosophy behind Tara's development, practical tools for co-parents, and the role of Tara in co-parenting support. Keywords: AI co-parenting, AI parenting app, Tara app, co-parenting support, evidence-based parenting, co-parenting tools, parenting app for moms, co-parenting mom, divorced mom, separated parents, high conflict co-parenting, co-parenting help, tools for co-parents, co-parenting resources Themes AI in co-parentingMental Load and Emotional HealthPersonalized Guidance and Support Sound Bites "Can AI actually support co-parenting decisions?" "Most mothers feel inadequate at some point." "Try Tara and see if it moves you forward." Key Takeaways 75% of mothers who need mental health support don't get it. Not because the need isn't there, but because the shame, stigma, and access barriers are. Tara was built for the gap between "I need something" and "I'm ready to call a therapist." 96% of people drop out of digital wellness apps within the first four weeks. The reason? Generic advice that doesn't account for your child, your family structure, or your co-parenting reality. Personalization isn't a nice-to-have, it's the only thing that makes a tool worth using. 9 out of 10 moms feel inadequate at some point. So do 8 out of 10 dads. That means most of us are one of them, and we're raising kids while carrying it. The mental load isn't just logistics. It's the grief, the resentment, and the version of parenthood you didn't expect. (Source: Pew Research) About 10% of Tara users request a human response, and one is always ready. AI has a limit. The best tools know where that line is and have a human waiting on the other side of it. What's in your control is smaller than you think and that's actually good news. Your reactions. Your behaviors. Your next move. Everything outside that circle, your co-parent's choices, your child's temperament, requires a different skill: radical acceptance. That practice is where the weight starts to lift. Keep in touch! - Connect with Dr. Katrina and download Tara! Website: withtara.comNewsletter: withtara.com/downloadIG: @motherhood.withtaraContact: katrina@withtara.com Resources from Dr. Celeste: Co-Parenting Reality Check: https://drcelestephd.kit.com/d88b29b76dProximity Audit: https://drcelestephd.gumroad.com/l/proximityauditBook with Dr. Celeste: https://drcelestephd.com/contact/

    30 min

  6. Apr 15

    9. The Score You're Keeping...and the Resentment it's Building...

    Summary Dr. Celeste Simmons shares practical strategies to overcome resentment in co-parenting, emphasizing the importance of addressing internal triggers rather than keeping score. Learn how to identify the roots of resentment and take actionable steps to improve your co-parenting relationship. Keywords co-parenting, resentment, mental health, communication, emotional regulation, parenting strategies Key topics The seven seeds of resentment in co-parenting How resentment affects mental health and parenting Practical steps to stop feeding resentment The importance of addressing internal needs over external blame Takeaways Resentment grows from unaddressed internal needs, not just external offenses. Keeping score in co-parenting is a form of self-punishment, not accountability. Naming the seed of resentment helps shift focus from blame to self-awareness. Addressing one unmet need or expectation can break the cycle of resentment. Key Framework Seven Seeds of Resentment Action items Identify which seed of resentment is active for you today. Audit the cost of keeping resentment and decide what to let go. Choose one seed to address and take action to close that loop. Sound bites "The list isn't about accountability, it's about resentment." "Name the seed, not the offense." "Interrupt the pattern to stop the resentment from growing." Chapters Resources Co-Parenting Reality Check - https://drcelestephd.kit.com/d88b29b76d Proximity Audit Tool - https://drcelestephd.gumroad.com/l/proximityaudit Website - https://www.drcelestephd.com

    8 min

  7. Apr 9

    8. Your Co-Parent's Silence is Information...Are You Reading it Right?

    Summary: Dr. Celeste Simmons shares practical strategies for improving communication in co-parenting, focusing on understanding silence, managing reactions, and using the RESPOND framework to foster healthier interactions.   Keywords co-parenting, communication, silence, emotional regulation, RESPOND framework, conflict resolution, parenting strategies   Key topics Reading and interpreting silence in co-parenting The RESPOND framework for intentional communication Managing emotional reactions and avoiding escalation Practical tools for effective co-parenting communication   Takeaways Silence in co-parenting is information, not rejection. The RESPOND framework helps shift from reactive to intentional responses. Taking a pause before responding can prevent escalation. Understanding your co-parent's silence can reveal overwhelm or avoidance. Deciding how to respond regardless of their reply empowers you. Mastering Co-Parenting Communication: The RESPOND Framework How to Read Silence in Co-Parenting and Respond Effectively Resources Co-Parenting Reality Check - https://drcelestephd.kit.com/d88b29b76d Proximity Audit - https://drcelestephd.gumroad.com/l/proximityaudit My website: www.drcelestephd.com

    9 min

  8. Apr 1

    7. Spring Reset: Is Your Co-Parenting Plan Working Against You?

    Summary Dr. Celeste Simmons shares practical strategies for effective co-parenting, emphasizing the importance of a strategic reset and intentional planning to reduce burnout and improve outcomes for children.   Keywords co-parenting, strategic reset, parenting tips, family law, emotional regulation, intentional parenting, co-parenting plan, spring reset, parenting strategies, mental health   Key  topics Co-parenting reset strategies Identifying reactive vs. intentional plans The impact of emotional regulation on children Creating a purposeful co-parenting playbook   Takeaways A reactive co-parenting plan works against you, leading to burnout and emotional exhaustion. Children sense energy shifts in co-parenting, even if unspoken. A strategic, intentional plan can shift the emotional temperature and improve outcomes. Removing reactive plays rooted in the other parent's behavior is crucial for progress. Focusing on one intentional change over 90 days can significantly improve co-parenting dynamics.   Resources Not sure where to start? Grab the free Co-Parenting Reality Check — bit.ly/CoParentRealityCheck   Ready to go deeper? The Proximity Audit is available now http://drcelestephd.gumroad.com/l/proximityaudit

    9 min
See All (15)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Co-Parenting Champions is hosted by Dr. Celeste Simmons, forensic psychologist, expert witness, and strategic partner for family law issues. This is the space where parents learn to shift their approach, build the life they actually want, and show up for their kids, regardless of what the other parent does. Every episode gives you one new way to think about your situation before you decide what to do next. Short, practical episodes built for real co-parenting life. No fluff. No endless task lists. Just clear strategies you can actually use. And if you’re not a co-parent, these strategies can still apply. Learning to focus on where you want to go instead of what you don’t want changes everything. Co-parenting doesn’t come with a playbook… but together, we can figure out how to play the game. 🎙️ Hosted by Dr. Celeste Simmons, Forensic Psychologist  🌐 drcelestephd.com

Information