5 Co-Parenting Books For The Best Preparations

Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Lori Pace

These books can be a great starting point for anyone looking for information about co-parenting with a blended family or step-siblings after divorce.

Parenting Apart: How Separated and Divorced Parents Can Raise Happy and Secure Kids | Co-Parenting Books

Written by: Christina McGhee

This book addresses some of the most difficult issues that divorcing parents face, including how and when to tell their children about the divorce. The books also offer simple terminology to assist in the transition to the new parenting style — “on-or off-duty parent”, “two-home concept”, or co-parenting. It also provides advice on how to explain this to all ages, from toddlers to teens.

Healthy Children of Divorce in 10 Simple Steps: Minimize the Effects of Divorce on Your Children

Written by: Shannon Rios Paulsen

A 10-step guide to helping co-parents communicate and make the best decisions possible for their children. Many co-parents find it difficult to let go of the past. This book provides actionable steps that will help you release that burden and put your focus on a brighter, more harmonious future.

Mom’s House, Dad’s House: Making Two Homes for Your Child | Co-Parenting Books

Written by: Isoline Ricci (Internationally Renowned Therapist, Family Expert, and Mediator)

It combines a practical framework for healthy co-parenting (checklists and guidelines, as well as a deep dive into why some people are more equipped to parent than others. It’s not surprising that co-parents with high levels of conflict are more likely than those with low-conflict spouses. Mom’s House and Dad’s House help parents understand the “why”, so they can make the “how” a bit easier.

The Co-Parenting Handbook: Raising Well-Adjusted and Resilient Kids from Little Ones to Young Adults through Divorce or Separation

Written by: Karen Bonnell

When creating a new family structure for co-parenting, it is important to consider the age of your children. This book offers advice and tips for children of all ages. The books also offer concrete suggestions such as a shared list with co-parenting goals and communication guidelines. However, it also addresses the emotional effects of separation, conflict, grief, and recovery on children.

Mindful Co-parenting: A Child-Friendly Path through Divorce | Co-Parenting Books

Written by: Jeremy S. Gaies and James B. Morris

This step-by-step, easy-to-understand guide was created to assist parents in identifying their children’s needs and creating a co-parenting plan that best suits those needs. Parents will find this guidance extremely useful in assessing their conflict level and then providing recommendations for communication-based on that level.

Co-parenting 101: A Child-Friendly Path through Divorce

Written By: Deesha Philyaw and Michael D. Thomas

This comprehensive guide covers parenting in two households. When you feel tempted to act against your child’s best interests, the chapters “Fifteen things you may want to do (but must not do) as a co-parent” and “Fifteen things that you must do (but may not want to) as a co-parent are helpful. It’s written by a former married co-parenting couple and has the perfect tone.

Joint Custody with a Jerk: a Child with an uncooperative ex | Co-Parenting Books

Written by: Julie A. Ross and Judy Corcoran

Parents should show compassion and respect to each other when parenting is difficult. It can seem impossible to co-parent with someone who is difficult, selfish, or irrational. This book can help make the process a little more manageable. It provides real solutions to difficult issues, a variety of teaching tools, proven communication techniques, and a timely look at digital forms of communication that can be both positive and negative. This book is the definitive guide for high-conflict custody situations.