The Moving On Method® Podcast

What really causes estrangement between parents and children, and how can you prevent it, especially after divorce? In this episode of The Moving On Method, host Michelle Dempsey-Multack sits down with psychotherapist and author Whitney Goodman (aka @sitwithwit) to unpack the nuanced emotional dynamics that lead to parent-child estrangement. From parentification to narcissistic family systems, Michelle and Whitney explore what it takes to be the safe, emotionally attuned parent your child needs, particularly when co-parenting in a high-conflict situation. What You’ll Learn: * Why estrangement is becoming more openly discussed, and what’s actually driving it * How parentification harms children (even when well-intentioned) * The critical difference between protecting vs. over-sharing with your child * How to build emotional safety and connection during divorce or co-parenting * What “parenting without a roadmap” really means, and how to do it with confidence Episode Highlights: * 03:44 – Is estrangement really on the rise, or are we just talking about it more? * 08:29 – The difference between abandonment and emotional cutoffs * 13:52 – Why parents repeat unhealthy dynamics or swing too far in the other direction * 19:41 – How to avoid parentifying your child during divorce * 26:35 – “My child is my rock”: When closeness crosses emotional boundaries * 31:18 – What to say when your child repeats something the other parent said * 34:50 – Can you be a “safe parent” even if you can’t control the other home? * 37:11 – Parenting through estrangement fears: What conscious parents need to hear Meet the Guest: Whitney Goodman, LMFT, is a licensed psychotherapist, speaker, and author of Toxic Positivity. Best known for her online presence as @sitwithwit, Whitney helps individuals navigate family estrangement, generational trauma, and emotionally mature parenting through her work at callinghome.co [https://callinghome.co]. Tools, Frameworks, and Concepts Mentioned: * Parenting Without a Roadmap – Whitney’s emotional navigation model for parents without healthy templates * Parentification – A breakdown of the emotional role-reversal between parent and child * Narcissistic Family Systems – Traits and long-term impacts * Emotional Maturity vs. Emotional Oversharing – Why kids need honesty with boundaries * Safe and Stable Parent Model – A guiding principle for high-conflict parenting Closing Insight: "Bad parents don’t worry about being bad parents. Conscious ones do." Being afraid your child will resent you one day is a sign you’re already trying to parent with awareness. But trying isn’t enough; you need tools, insight, and support. Want to learn more? This in-depth and informative course from Michelle was created to address this topic: How to Safeguard Your Relationship With Your Children When You Have a High-Conflict Ex Spouse: https://community.momsmovingon.com/checkout/how-to-safeguard-your-relationship-with-your-children-when-you-have-a-high-conflict-ex-spouse-course [https://community.momsmovingon.com/checkout/how-to-safeguard-your-relationship-with-your-children-when-you-have-a-high-conflict-ex-spouse-course] Get one-on-one coaching from Michelle: https://michelledempsey.com/coaching/ [https://michelledempsey.com/coaching/] Learn more about The Moving On Method® https://michelledempsey.com/shop-courses/ [https://michelledempsey.com/shop-courses/] Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichelleDempsey [https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichelleDempsey] Website - https://michelledempsey.com/ [https://michelledempsey.com/] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/michelle645 [https://www.facebook.com/michelle645] TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@themichelledempsey1 [https://www.tiktok.com/@themichelledempsey1] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mldempsey/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mldempsey/] LINK TO TRANSCRIPT: https://transcripts/moving-on-method-ep257-parentification-estrangement [https://transcripts/moving-on-method-ep257-parentification-estrangement] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

What should you say when your child asks about a parent’s affair, especially when it's all over social media? In this raw and resonant episode, divorce coach Michelle Dempsey-Multack sits down with conscious parenting expert Erin Morrison to unpack how to talk to children about infidelity, betrayal, and public scandals with age-appropriate empathy. Whether you’re navigating a high-conflict divorce or shielding your kids from adult chaos, this conversation is your go-to guide for Child-First Co-Parenting in an age of viral exposure. What You’ll Learn: * How to use “appropriate honesty” to discuss hard truths with your children * When shielding your kids becomes denial, and how to avoid both extremes * Why over-disclosure creates emotional overload and long-term trauma * How to hold safe emotional boundaries while still supporting their curiosity * What to say (and what not to say) when your child finds out about an affair online Episode Highlights: * 02:12 – Why viral scandals hit differently when you’re co-parenting * 06:45 – Erin’s “need-to-know basis” approach to conscious communication * 11:08 – The emotional damage of oversharing vs. age-appropriate truth * 15:42 – What to do if you’ve already said too much (and how to walk it back) * 23:16 – Can you be honest without vilifying your ex? * 29:37 – How kids process betrayal differently than adults do * 34:10 – Using trauma-informed parenting to guide difficult conversations * 38:58 – The only thing you can overcompensate on without hurting your child Meet the Guest: Erin Morrison is a conscious parenting expert, certified coach, and author of Three Minutes for Mom. Known for her trauma-informed, emotionally attuned approach, Erin helps parents navigate challenging conversations with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Tools, Frameworks, and Strategies Mentioned: * Appropriate Honesty – Erin’s approach to tailoring hard truths by age and need * Need-to-Know Communication – Avoiding the trap of emotional dumping * Child-First Co-Parenting – A core value of the Moms Moving On® community Closing Insight: “The only thing you can overcompensate for that won’t mess up your kids is your love, your presence, and your intentionality.” — Michelle Dempsey-Multack Parenting through infidelity isn’t about protecting your ego; it’s about protecting your child’s emotional ecosystem. Stay grounded. Stay present. And know that a single conversation done right can rebuild safety. Connect with Erin: Instagram: @itstheconsciousmom Books: https://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Erin-Morrison/222387676 Want to learn more? This in-depth and informative course from Michelle was created to address this topic: How to Talk to Your Kids About Divorce [https://community.momsmovingon.com/checkout/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-divorce] Get one-on-one coaching from Michelle: https://michelledempsey.com/coaching/ [https://michelledempsey.com/coaching/] Learn more about The Moving On Method® https://michelledempsey.com/shop-courses/ [https://michelledempsey.com/shop-courses/] Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichelleDempsey [https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichelleDempsey] Website - https://michelledempsey.com/ [https://michelledempsey.com/] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/michelle645 [https://www.facebook.com/michelle645] TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@themichelledempsey1 [https://www.tiktok.com/@themichelledempsey1] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mldempsey/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mldempsey/] LINK TO TRANSCRIPT: htttp://transcripts/moms-moving-on-ep256-talking-to-kids-about-infidelity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

What if divorce could mark the beginning of your most empowered chapter yet? In this deeply personal episode of The Moving On Method, host Michelle Dempsey-Multack sits down with Olivia Howell and Jenny Dreizen, the visionary sisters behind Fresh Starts Registry. They share how personal heartbreaks became the foundation for a revolutionary platform that blends trauma-informed support, practical rebuilding tools, and a shame-free approach to life transitions. This is more than a divorce story; it’s a powerful blueprint for post-separation rebirth. What You’ll Learn: * Why divorce is a form of trauma, and how Fresh Starts Registry helps address it holistically * How to emotionally and physically reset your life after a silent divorce or toxic marriage * The seven types of experts you may need during your post-divorce transition * The emotional power of reclaiming your space with new, intentional items * How to build a values-aligned support system during high-stress life events Episode Highlights: * 03:12 – How Olivia and Jenny’s personal breakups inspired a registry for divorce recovery * 10:44 – The emotional toll of “doing everything” in a silent divorce * 19:17 – The moment Olivia realized she was emotionally unraveling * 27:50 – Jenny’s wedding called off: When your “happily ever after” ends * 33:03 – What it really takes to build a startup for healing * 38:49 – A trauma-informed business model that protects emotional and physical safety * 43:12 – Community, free resources, and 100+ vetted experts at your fingertips * 47:30 – A love story that began in a museum: Jenny’s real-life fresh start Meet the Guests: Olivia Howell is a marketing strategist and certified divorce coach with a passion for new beginnings. Jenny Dreizen, a former wedding industry pro and logistics expert, co-founded Fresh Starts Registry to turn endings into empowering transformations. Tools, Frameworks, or Strategies Mentioned: * Fresh Starts Registry: A trauma-aware, Amazon-powered platform supporting people post-divorce with curated items and vetted expert referrals. * Fresh Starts Expert Membership: A visibility and community program for coaches, therapists, attorneys, and professionals supporting clients in transition. * Divorce Resource Consults: A free, no-obligation 15-minute session connecting users to custom resources and experts. "The problem isn’t the person, it’s the pain. And healing means moving forward without shame." Closing Insight: Whether you're just beginning your divorce journey or several years beyond it, Fresh Starts Registry offers more than tools; it offers transformation. Tap the links in the show notes to explore the registry, connect with vetted experts, and begin again on your terms. Want to learn more? This in-depth and informative course from Michelle was created to address this topic: Making Co-Parenting Transitions Easier On Your Children [https://community.momsmovingon.com/checkout/making-co-parenting-transitions-easier-on-your-children] Get one-on-one coaching from Michelle: https://michelledempsey.com/coaching/ [https://michelledempsey.com/coaching/] Learn more about The Moving On Method® https://michelledempsey.com/shop-courses/ [https://michelledempsey.com/shop-courses/] Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichelleDempsey [https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichelleDempsey] Website - https://michelledempsey.com/ [https://michelledempsey.com/] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/michelle645 [https://www.facebook.com/michelle645] TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@themichelledempsey1 [https://www.tiktok.com/@themichelledempsey1] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mldempsey/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mldempsey/] LINK TO TRANSCRIPT: http://michelledempsey.com/ [http://michelledempsey.com/EPISODE]255 [http://michelledempsey.com/EPISODE] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

What if your fertility journey wasn’t just about you, but about both of you? In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Michelle Dempsey is joined by Ronit Menashe and Vida Delrahim, founders of WeNatal, the first prenatal supplement line designed for both men and women. Drawing from their deeply personal experiences with pregnancy loss, second marriages, and conception after 35, they unpack the emotional, relational, and scientific truths that are changing how couples approach fertility. Whether you're trying to conceive in a second chapter or exploring preconception wellness, this episode delivers critical insight, validation, and actionable hope. What You’ll Learn: * Why fertility is not just a “her” issue: the science behind sperm quality and its impact on pregnancy * How to optimize egg and sperm health within 90 days using targeted nutrients and lifestyle shifts * What most doctors don’t tell you about miscarriage, Hashimoto’s, and hormonal root causes * How emotional stress, mindset, and community play a role in conception * Functional fertility strategies for couples over 35 and in blended families Episode Highlights: * 03:42 – The origin story: how two best friends turned pregnancy loss into a wellness mission * 09:28 – The missing 50%: why sperm health matters just as much as egg quality * 14:10 – Reframing fertility after 35: it's not too late, and here’s why * 17:30 – The functional medicine lens on miscarriage and autoimmune diagnosis * 22:48 – What “Spermageddon” is and why male fertility is in global decline * 28:05 – Breaking the stigma: how WeNatal empowers men to take responsibility * 31:30 – Key supplements and nutrient science behind WeNatal’s product line * 35:10 – The mind-body connection: how journaling, stress relief, and community support conception Meet the Guests: Ronit Menashe and Vida Delrahim are the co-founders of WeNatal, a groundbreaking fertility wellness brand offering the first prenatal supplement designed for both women and men. Their mission was born from personal loss and a critical discovery: most fertility advice ignores male reproductive health. With a team that includes Dr. Mark Hyman and other leading functional experts, WeNatal is reshaping the path to parenthood by shifting the focus from “me” to we. Tools, Frameworks & Strategies Mentioned: * WeNatal for Him & Her – Bioavailable, low-pill-count daily prenatals * Egg Quality Plus – Targeted mitochondrial support for improved egg health * Go Mega & Magnesium 4-in-1 – Support for stress, sleep, and inflammation * WeNatal Manifestation Journal – Guided prompts to reduce stress and deepen partner connection * Functional Fertility Optimization – A holistic model for men and women over 35 Closing Insight: “Fertility is a team sport. Just because something is common doesn’t mean it’s normal or unchangeable.” Want to learn more? This in-depth and informative course from Michelle was created to address this topic: Building Resilience: Helping Children Adapt and Thrive After Divorce [https://community.momsmovingon.com/checkout/building-resilience-helping-children-adapt-and-thrive-after-divorce] Get one-on-one coaching from Michelle: https://michelledempsey.com/coaching/ [https://michelledempsey.com/coaching/] Learn more about The Moving On Method® https://michelledempsey.com/shop-courses/ [https://michelledempsey.com/shop-courses/] Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichelleDempsey [https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichelleDempsey] Website - https://michelledempsey.com/ [https://michelledempsey.com/] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/michelle645 [https://www.facebook.com/michelle645] TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@themichelledempsey1 [https://www.tiktok.com/@themichelledempsey1] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mldempsey/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mldempsey/] LINK TO TRANSCRIPT: http://michelledempsey.com/254 [http://michelledempsey.com/EPISODE] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

What if your child’s anxiety isn’t a sign you’re failing but an opportunity to model emotional resilience? In this powerful episode of The Moving On Method, Michelle Dempsey-Multack sits down with child development expert Dr. Siggie Cohen to explore how parental anxiety, divorce, and over-accommodation are shaping today’s kids and what we can do differently. From redefining what anxiety really is to offering real-world strategies for emotionally intelligent parenting, this episode is a must-listen for any parent navigating co-parenting stress, child behavior shifts, or emotional regulation challenges. What You’ll Learn: * The true nature of anxiety: why it’s hardwired into us and how it shows up in kids * How divorce can create emotional fragmentation for children and what you can do to stabilize them * The danger of over-accommodating your child’s fears and how it leads to helplessness * Early warning signs of anxiety in children (that don’t always look like tantrums) * Concrete strategies to build resilience, healthy coping, and emotional trust Episode Chapters & Highlights: * 03:12 – Dr. Siggie explains why anxiety isn’t new, just newly visible * 08:37 – Why parents unknowingly transfer anxiety to their kids * 13:55 – The hidden impact of divorce on emotional regulation * 20:01 – When comfort becomes over-accommodation * 27:18 – What to do if your child is overly focused on your feelings * 32:46 – A smarter way to talk to your kids about difficulty and divorce * 38:10 – Michelle and Dr. Siggie on the exhaustion of “emotional labor” as a divorced parent * 42:55 – First steps when your child’s anxiety feels “bigger than you” About Our Guest: Dr. Siggie Cohen is a child development specialist with over 35 years of experience supporting children and families through life transitions. Known for her signature calm, proactive parenting approach, she is the creator of the Everything Anxiety course, designed to help families navigate emotional overwhelm without resorting to over-fixing. Concepts & Tools Discussed In This Episode: * Everything Anxiety Course: A program that shifts focus from eliminating fear to building coping muscles * Modeling Emotional Regulation: How parents can “show not tell” resilience * The Cycle of Over-Fixing: A pattern where accommodation reinforces helplessness * Banana Splits Program: A school-based peer support group for kids of divorce Closing Insight: “Your child doesn't need a perfect life. They need the tools to handle an imperfect one.” — Dr. Siggie The conversations we have with our children about divorce will ultimately determine how well they adapt to being co-parented. Talking to children about divorce can be tricky and of course, emotional - let us teach you the best way to have the conversation [https://community.momsmovingon.com/checkout/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-divorce%E2%81%A0] Learn more about The Moving On Method® https://michelledempsey.com/shop-courses/ [https://michelledempsey.com/shop-courses/] Get one-on-one coaching from Michelle: https://michelledempsey.com/coaching/ [https://michelledempsey.com/coaching/] Subscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichelleDempsey [https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichelleDempsey] Website - https://michelledempsey.com/ [https://michelledempsey.com/] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/michelle645 [https://www.facebook.com/michelle645] TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@themichelledempsey1 [https://www.tiktok.com/@themichelledempsey1] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mldempsey/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mldempsey/] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]