Children First Family Law - Transforming how families navigate the challenging landscape of divorce.

055: ACEs in the Family Law System - Protecting Children Through Advocacy and Awareness - Part 4 of a 4-Part Series

In this final episode of the four-part ACEs series on Children First Family Law, Krista dives into practical strategies for parents and professionals to support children through adverse experiences and the complex realities of family law. Building on earlier discussions about parental addiction, attachment, and trauma, Krista outlines ways parents can actively foster resilience and emotional security for their children, even when co-parenting challenges arise.
Krista emphasizes the importance of separating a child’s perception of a parent from the parent’s struggles. She shares creative approaches, such as building a library of videos of a parent reading or engaging with the child during periods of instability. By doing this, parents can validate their child’s connection with both caregivers, avoid reinforcing negative feelings, and promote stability and trust, even in difficult circumstances. Small rituals, predictable routines, affirming therapy, and engagement with activities like art or nature help children feel secure and supported, and demonstrate the power of consistent presence over conflict.
The episode also expands the focus to professionals in the family law system, including judges, attorneys, child advocates, and therapists. Krista outlines how the adversarial structure of courts can unintentionally exacerbate trauma for both children and parents, and how trauma-informed approaches grounded in safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment can mitigate harm. She highlights the need for trauma-informed language, empathy, and curiosity, both in interactions with families and in self-care for professionals navigating high-conflict cases.
Closing the series, Krista paints a vision for a family law system that prioritizes children’s safety, emotional security, and long-term resilience. By combining research on ACES, practical parenting strategies, and professional responsibility, she challenges parents and practitioners to reframe conflict as an opportunity to foster connection and healing. The episode reinforces that trauma-informed advocacy is not only possible. It is essential to shape outcomes that truly serve families and communities.
In this episode, you will hear:
How to foster attachment and resilience in children when one parent struggles with addiction
Practical strategies to maintain children’s connection to both parents through creative tools and predictable routines
The importance of trauma-informed approaches in the family law system
How small actions by parents and professionals can prevent new adverse childhood experiences
Ways professionals can shift from judgment to empathy, curiosity, and healing-centered advocacy
Resources from this Episode
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation. 
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Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

054: ACEs, Trauma, and Hope: Understanding Childhood Pain and Building Resilience - Part 3 of a 4-Part Series

In this third installment of the four-part series on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Krista continues her powerful conversation with Columbine survivor Chris Markham. While Chris has shared the trauma of his upbringing and the violence he witnessed, this episode turns toward resilience and healing. His story shows that even when children grow up with high ACEs, it is possible to build a life filled with love, family, and purpose.
Chris reflects on the role therapy played in helping him work through post-traumatic stress, anger, and grief. He explains how finding healthy outlets, such as Taekwondo, supportive relationships, and consistent guidance, helped him shift from a destructive path toward one focused on growth. Krista and Chris explore the challenges of forgiveness, the weight of intergenerational trauma, and how breaking harmful cycles can allow children to experience childhood more fully than their parents once did.
The episode also highlights how parents’ choices during divorce profoundly affect their children. Chris emphasizes that even when relationships break down, children still love both parents. Respecting that bond and avoiding toxic narratives is essential for preventing long-term emotional harm. His personal experiences reveal the lasting consequences of parental alienation and the importance of maintaining space for both parents in a child’s life.
Ultimately, Chris’s journey is both sobering and hopeful. From surviving Columbine to raising two children of his own, he demonstrates how resilience, forgiveness, and intentional parenting can overcome even the most painful beginnings. For parents, attorneys, and professionals working with families, this episode offers a meaningful reminder: trauma may shape us, but it doesn’t have to define us.
In this episode, you will hear:
Resilience grows when children are guided toward positive relationships and safe outlets
Forgiveness frees individuals from carrying trauma into adulthood
Breaking intergenerational cycles allows kids to experience true childhood
Parents must respect a child’s bond with both parents, even after divorce
Toxic narratives create lasting damage and resentment
Healing requires patience, consistency, and space for reconnection
Resources from this Episode
www.columbinememorial.org
www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24875-adverse-childhood-experiences-ace
www.apaf.org/our-programs/justice/free-resources/what-are-aces
https://www.samhsa.gov/resource/sptac/adverse-childhood-experiences-role-substance-misuse-prevention
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation. 
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

053: ACEs, Trauma, and Hope: Understanding Childhood Pain and Building Resilience - Part 2 of a 4-Part Series

In this second installment of the Children First Family Law podcast’s four-part series on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), Krista welcomes her longtime friend Chris Markham. Chris opens up about his childhood in a family affected by divorce, emotional disconnection, and abuse. He also reflects on the devastating day he survived the Columbine High School shooting as a freshman, bringing to light the profound ways trauma can shape a child’s life. His willingness to share these experiences provides an intimate glimpse into how ACEs manifest in real families.
Chris recounts how parental alienation, strict limitations on contact with his father, and the instability of living with a mother struggling with substance abuse compounded the trauma of his early years. Physical abuse at the hands of a stepfather further deepened the challenges he faced. These experiences left him with a constant sense of disconnection and a drive to seek out healthier role models and mentors who could help him imagine a different future.
Despite the weight of these adversities, Chris discovered strength in discipline and community. Through martial arts, mentorship, and his own determination, he cultivated resilience that carried him beyond the instability of his upbringing. The discipline he adopted helped him counter destructive patterns and provided him with the tools to process his pain in constructive ways. His story demonstrates the critical role that supportive adults and structured environments play in helping children heal from trauma.
Today, Chris is a husband and father committed to building a stable and loving home for his family. He speaks candidly about how his past fuels his desire to break cycles of generational trauma and to model healthier relationships for his children. His journey illustrates both the risks of ACEs and the hope that comes from resilience, making this conversation an important listen for parents, professionals, and anyone striving to support children through adversity.
In this episode, you will hear:
Growing up with divorce, emotional disconnection, and abuse in the home
The reality of surviving the Columbine High School shooting as a freshman
Parental alienation and its impact on a child’s relationship with both parents
The role of substance abuse and unstable environments in shaping childhood trauma
Physical abuse from a stepfather and the long-lasting effects of violence in the home
How discipline and martial arts created structure and stability amid chaos
Mentors and supportive adults stepping in when family life fell apart
Building resilience by turning pain into strength and determination
The ongoing work of breaking cycles of generational trauma
Creating a healthier family legacy through fatherhood and committed relationships
Resources from this Episode
www.columbinememorial.org
www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24875-adverse-childhood-experiences-ace
www.apaf.org/our-programs/justice/free-resources/what-are-aces
www.samhsa.gov/resource/sptac/adverse-childhood-experiences-role-substance-misuse-prevention
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation. 
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

052: ACEs, Trauma, and Hope: Understanding Childhood Pain and Building Resilience - Part 1 of a 4-Part Series

Today’s episode of the Children First Family Law podcast launches a powerful four-part series on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), trauma, and resilience. Krista records this conversation with Dr. Kathleen McNamara, the day after the Evergreen High School shooting in Jefferson County, Colorado, and the assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah. Both tragedies underscore how deeply trauma ripples through families and communities.
Dr. McNamara, a psychologist and national leader in trauma-informed family law, explains the origins of the ACEs study and the direct connection between early childhood adversity and long-term outcomes such as chronic health issues, depression, and even shortened life expectancy. Together, she and Krista explore how high-conflict divorce can become an ACE, why early intervention is critical, and how functional co-parenting reduces harm.
This urgent conversation also expands the ACEs discussion to modern realities—school shootings, bullying, discrimination, and the lingering effects of COVID-19—and introduces resilience factors that can alter a child’s trajectory. Safe caregivers, coping strategies, social connections, and trauma-informed practices can help children heal and thrive, even after experiencing hardship.
As the first installment in the ACEs series, this episode sets the stage for Parts 2 and 3, featuring the story of a Columbine survivor who endured multiple ACEs, and Part 4, where Krista shares practical guidance for parents and professionals on protecting children’s mental health during divorce.
In this episode, you will hear:
ACEs disrupt brain development and long-term health
High-conflict divorce as a significant ACE risk factor
Modern ACEs, including school shootings, discrimination, and COVID-19
Early intervention reduces harm and improves outcomes
Safe caregivers, social support, and coping strategies build resilience
Trauma-informed practices in family law protecting children
 
Resources from this Episode
www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24875-adverse-childhood-experiences-ace
www.apaf.org/our-programs/justice/free-resources/what-are-aces
www.samhsa.gov/resource/sptac/adverse-childhood-experiences-role-substance-misuse-prevention
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation. 
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

051: Tech Tools for Co-parents: How TalkingParents App Helps Communication & Much More

In this episode of the Children First Family Law podcast, Krista begins a new series exploring technology tools that help separated and divorced parents co-parent more effectively. She welcomes Heather Ruiz from TalkingParents, a platform designed to simplify communication, improve organization, and reduce conflict between co-parents.
Heather shares how TalkingParents was created by a family law attorney who had firsthand experience with the struggles of co-parenting. The platform has evolved into a comprehensive solution that includes secure messaging, shared calendars, expense tracking, recorded calls, an info library for important documents, and resources for parents navigating high-conflict situations.
Krista and Heather discuss the challenges parents face with traditional communication methods,  disorganized text messages, missing receipts, or misunderstandings, and how TalkingParents provides clarity, accountability, and security. Heather also explains how its features reduce litigation costs by documenting every interaction in a way that courts readily accept.
For families, attorneys, and mental health professionals, this episode offers a close look at how tech tools  TalkingParents can keep the focus where it belongs—on the children.
In this episode, you will hear:
Why using a co-parenting app reduces conflict and builds accountability
How TalkingParents helps streamline expenses, calendars, and document storage
Security measures that ensure records remain accurate and admissible in court
Options for both free and paid plans to meet families’ needs
Extra features  recorded calls, transcripts, and educational resources
How the app helps establish healthy co-parenting habits early in the process
 
Resources from this Episode
talkingparents.com
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation. 
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you  this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

050: The Point C Divorce: A Five-Minute Fable That Puts Kids First, with Larry and Joni Jones

In this episode of the Children First Family Law podcast, Krista welcomes Larry and Joni Jones, the creators of “The Point C Divorce,” a five-minute animated fable designed to help parents, attorneys, and professionals refocus on children’s well-being during divorce. Larry, a retired New Jersey Superior Court judge, and Joni, a board-certified psychiatric and mental health nurse, mediator, and restorative practice facilitator, combined their professional expertise and personal experiences to create a short but powerful video that shines a light on how parental conflict can harm children.
The conversation traces the origins of Point C, which began with Larry sketching ideas on a pizza box after a particularly painful custody case. The video has since been used in courtrooms, mediation, and educational programs across the country, resonating with families and professionals alike. Larry and Joni explain how the fable illustrates the dangers of parents becoming consumed by litigation at the expense of their child’s emotional health.
Joni shares how her own childhood experience with divorce shaped her perspective, emphasizing the importance of skill-building and forgiveness in helping families move forward. Together, she and Larry stress the need for attorneys, mediators, and parents to rethink how conflict is handled and to recognize that litigation often undermines the very “best interests of the child” it claims to protect.
The episode highlights the long-term effects of contentious divorces, from fractured parent-child relationships to mental health struggles for children. Krista, Larry, and Joni discuss practical tools, such as effective listening, expectation-setting, and restorative practices, that can help parents break the cycle of conflict. You will come away with a deeper understanding of how Point C offers a wake-up call to keep children’s voices and well-being at the center of family law.
In this episode, you will hear:
The inspiration behind “The Point C Divorce” and how it began on a pizza box
How the five-minute fable helps parents and professionals see the child’s perspective
Why litigation often contradicts the “best interest of the child”
Joni’s personal story as a child of divorce and how it influenced her work
Tools for parents: skill-building, heartfelt forgiveness, and active listening
The role of attorneys and mediators in shaping respectful, child-centered outcomes
Why kids often just want the fighting to stop, no matter which parent is “right”
Resources from this Episode
pointcdivorce.com
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation. 
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

049: How to Tell Kids about Divorce: with Parenting Expert Christina McGhee

In this episode, host Krista Nash sits down with parenting expert, author, and coach Christina McGhee to tackle one of the most difficult moments in divorce: telling your children. Christina, who has spent over two decades helping families navigate separation, shares compassionate, practical guidance for parents who want to put their children first during this life-altering conversation.
Together, Krista and Christina explore the emotional weight parents carry and the common mistakes that can undermine a child’s sense of security. Christina emphasizes the importance of clarity, preparation, and unified messaging, reminding parents that while the marriage may be ending, parenting is not. She introduces strategies such as framing divorce as a change rather than an ending, using age-appropriate language, and avoiding over-sharing or placing emotional burdens on children.
Listeners will also hear insights into how children of different ages process divorce, the dangers of using children as confidants, and the long-term impact of blurred boundaries. Christina offers practical tools for ensuring children feel a sense of belonging in both homes and encourages ongoing dialogue rather than a “one and done” conversation.
In this episode, you will hear:
Divorce doesn’t end parenting—it changes how you parent.
Always use clear, age-appropriate language, including the word “divorce.”
Never make your child a confidant or emotional caretaker.
Prepare and plan the conversation instead of “winging it.”
Make it an ongoing dialogue, not a one-time event.
Resources from this Episode
Christina McGhee, Divorce Parenting Expert, Trainer, Coach, Author, Education & Training Director: SPLIT Films – Divorce and Children, LLC
https://coparentingspecialist.com/
https://divorceandchildren.com/
Book: Parenting Apart: How Separated and Divorced Parents Can Raise Happy and Secure Kids
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=parenting+apart+christina+mcghee&crid=3T5BH29G1YY0&sprefix=parenting+apart%2Caps%2C163&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-pd-dpltr-ranker_2_15
https://divorceandchildren.com/about-christina-mcghee/
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation. 
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

048: Co-Parenting After Divorce: Tips for Successful Communication

Co-parenting after divorce is one of the most difficult challenges parents face. In this solo episode of the Children First Family Law podcast, Krista draws on her experience as an attorney, mediator, and child advocate to share practical strategies for improving communication between separated parents. With Colorado’s focus on the best interests of the child, Krista emphasizes that effective communication isn’t just a convenience; it directly impacts children’s stability, peace, and well-being.
Krista explores common hurdles like old wounds resurfacing, mismatched communication styles, tone problems, and mistrust, all of which can derail even the most routine exchanges. She explains how parents can shift from reactive arguments to constructive conversations using the BIFF method (Brief, Informative, Friendly, Firm), and why choosing the right communication platform can reduce conflict and create a reliable record.
From setting boundaries on response times to prioritizing the child's needs, Krista provides actionable ways parents can work together as a team. She stresses that communication should be approached like a business partnership with one shared goal—the care of their children.
Krista also highlights resources for families in Colorado, including co-parenting apps, mediation, parenting classes, and counseling options, all of which can help parents strengthen their approach when communication feels impossible. The episode concludes with an important reminder: children notice how their parents speak to and about one another. Respectful exchanges model cooperation and reassure children that they come first.
This episode is a practical guide for parents, professionals, and anyone supporting families navigating life after divorce. By adopting healthier communication strategies, parents can reduce conflict, protect their children’s peace, and build a more supportive two-home family dynamic.
In this episode, you will hear:
Communication challenges divorced parents face
How the BIFF method helps diffuse conflict
Why using co-parenting apps improves clarity and accountability
Ways to set boundaries and avoid emotional reactions
The importance of keeping children in the center, not the middle
Resources in Colorado for co-parenting support
Resources from this Episode
highconflictinstitute.com/high-conflict-strategies/how-to-write-a-biff-response
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggXhQLihi54
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation. 
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

047: Verified Sobriety: How U-VERIFY™ Protects Children in Family Law

In this episode of the Children First Family Law podcast, Krista speaks with Tim Reid, Director of Business Development at U-VERIFY™ Testing.
Originally from Australia, Tim now lives in Austin, Texas, and works closely with U-VERIFY™’s San Diego-based laboratory while often connecting with clients and partners in Indiana. With a background in clinical pharmacology and experience across multiple industries, Tim introduces U-VERIFY™, a testing service designed to eliminate many of the problems family law professionals face when monitoring substance use. Traditional drug and alcohol testing often relies on inconvenient, costly, and sometimes unreliable methods. U-VERIFY™ changes this landscape with legally defensible, DNA-verified urine testing that can be completed remotely while protecting children and supporting accountability.
Krista and Tim explore why urine remains the gold standard for drug and alcohol testing, the challenges of tampering with traditional tests, and how DNA verification ensures results truly belong to the individual tested. They also discuss the limitations of breathalyzers, the importance of comprehensive testing panels, and how U-VERIFY™ helps build trust between co-parents in high-conflict custody cases.
By addressing both the science and the legal practicalities, Tim demonstrates how this service strengthens safety measures for children while streamlining the testing process for families and attorneys.
In this episode, you will hear:
Urine remains the preferred specimen type for reliable drug and alcohol testing
DNA verification removes the need for invasive observed collections
Breathalyzers have limits, so using complementary tools may be necessary
U-VERIFY™ covers more than 70 substances, including alcohol, fentanyl, and prescription drugs
Legally defensible results backed by accredited lab standards
Remote testing streamlines the process, reduces conflict, and helps build trust in co-parenting
Resources from this Episode
www.phamatec.com 
www.uverifytesting.com
uverify@phamatech.com for more info
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation. 
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

046: Teaching Kids to Cope: The Program Born from One Father’s Divorce Story with Dr. Don Gordon

In this episode of the Children First Family Law podcast, Krista Nash talks with Dr. Don Gordon, a clinical child psychologist and Executive Director of the Center for Divorce Education. Dr. Gordon shares how his personal experience with high-conflict divorce shaped his mission to help families reduce stress and improve parent-child relationships through evidence-based education.
Their conversation centers around “Children in Between,” a widely used court-mandated parenting program, and its new companion course for kids. Dr. Gordon explains why emotional literacy, stress reduction, and safe communication are critical tools for children during separation and divorce. He also discusses the neuroscience of fight-or-flight responses in parents, how to interrupt reactive behaviors, and why involving kids in conversations about their feelings changes outcomes for life.
Divorce doesn’t have to break a child’s emotional foundation if we give families the tools to manage it with care.
In this episode, you will hear:
Parents need training for co-parenting under stress, not just general parenting
Children benefit when they learn how to name, share, and manage emotions
Divorce stress impacts a child’s long-term relationships and mental health
Online programs can support families with low-cost, effective tools
Teaching emotional regulation improves how parents and kids relate
Kids internalize conflict when they feel caught between two parents
Loyalty conflicts do more harm than divorce itself
Involving both parents in emotional coaching gives kids double the support
When parents model calm responses, kids learn resilience
Proactive education reduces litigation and emotional fallout
Resources from this Episode
www.childreninbetweenforkids.com 
www.childreninbetween.com
online.divorce-education.com
www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com
All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation. 
Follow and Review:
We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.
Episode Credits
If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.