Kids First Co-Parenting with Dr. Royster

What custody evaluators do & What they are looking for

If you have a custody evaluation coming up or you've just been told one has been ordered this episode is a must listen. Custody evaluations are one of the most high stakes (and stressful) moments in any family law case, and most moms walk in under-prepared and over stressed. In this solo episode, licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Karalynn Royster, breaks down what happens inside a custody evaluation, what evaluators are trained to assess, and where moms can go wrong. You'll learn: * What a PRE and CFI actually do and why they are not your advocate * Key things every evaluator is watching for in every parent they meet * Why emotional regulation and child focused communication matter more than you think * How your documentation, emails, and texts are being evaluated before you even walk in the room Whether you are in the middle of a high conflict divorce, navigating co-parenting with a narcissistic ex, preparing for a custody evaluation, or working with families in the family court system, this episode will change how you think about preparation. ---------------------------------------- Ready to stop leaving your custody evaluation to chance? This summer Dr. Royster is opening the Custody Eval Intensive a 90 day, high touch program for moms who are done walking into the most important evaluation of their custody case unprepared. Only 3 spots. Beta pricing available. Interest form closes June 15th. 👉 JOIN THE WAITLIST: https://learnwithlittlehouse.myflodesk.com/skuza6g56a [https://learnwithlittlehouse.myflodesk.com/skuza6g56a] Not facing an evaluation but need ongoing support? The Kids First Membership is a monthly coaching community for moms navigating high conflict coparenting led by a licensed clinical psychologist who has spent her career doing exactly this work. For $97/month you get expert guidance, live workshops, and a community of women who actually get it. 👉 JOIN KIDS FIRST MEMBERSHIP: https://www.learnwithlittlehouse.com/kids-first-membership [https://www.learnwithlittlehouse.com/kids-first-membership] ---------------------------------------- Keywords: custody evaluation, parenting responsibility evaluator, child and family investigator, PRE, CFI, high conflict divorce, co-parenting, narcissistic ex, family court, custody battle, child custody, divorce attorney, GAL, guardian ad litem, co-parenting coach, custody preparation, family law, emotional regulation, high conflict coparenting Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. The content shared by Dr. Karalynn Royster is not intended to be and should not be construed as mental health treatment, psychological services, or legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapist-client or attorney-client relationship. If you are in need of mental health support or legal guidance, please consult a licensed mental health professional or qualified attorney in your area.

Why You Are Not Bad With Money: with financial expert & best-selling author, Leah Hadley

Money is one of the most powerful tools used in high conflict divorce and coparenting dynamics. For many women: the narrative that they are "bad with money" is not a personal failure: it is a story they have been told to keep them feeling small or stuck. In this episode: I am joined by Leah Hadley (a financial expert OG). We are dismantling the shame around finances and giving you the clinical and practical tools to reclaim your financial sovereignty. We dive deep into: * Financial Mindset tools, including values & clarity around what you really want. * The importance of sisterhood and support as you build intentional wealth. * How to pick a good financial planning pro and what to watch out for. About Leah Hadley: Leah Hadley is a financial planner, Accredited Financial Counselor, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and the founder of Intentional Wealth Partners [https://www.intentionalwealthpartners.co/] and Intentional Divorce Solutions. [https://www.greatlakesdfs.com/] She is the author of Intentional Money: The Modern Woman's Guide to Building Wealth, Purpose and Peace, [https://amzn.to/4sXPCJL]and the creator of The Empowered Sisterhood [https://www.watchherthrive.co/empowered-sisterhood], a community built to help women achieve lasting financial confidence. Leah's work is rooted in the belief that when women are financially empowered, everything changes. Leah's Links: * Substack article [https://intentionalmoney.substack.com/p/what-youre-actually-paying-for-when] on fees in financial planning. * Watch her Thrive [https://www.instagram.com/watchherthrive/] and Intentional Divorce Solutions [https://www.instagram.com/intentionaldivorcesolutions/] on Instagram * Leah Hadley on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahahadley/] * Intentional Money: Modern Women's Guide to Wealth, Purpose & Peace [https://amzn.to/4mWrrKd] Dr. Royster's Links: * Join the Kids First Membership [https://www.learnwithlittlehouse.com/kids-first-membership] for only $97/month * Follow us on Instagram [https://instagram.com/learnwithlittlehouse] IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute professional mental health: clinical: or legal advice. * No Professional Relationship: Accessing this content does not create a therapist: patient or attorney: client relationship. * Seek Professional Help: If you are in a crisis or require specific advice for your unique situation: please reach out to a licensed mental health provider or a qualified legal professional in your area immediately. * Safety First: Your safety and well being are the highest priority. If you are in immediate danger: please contact local emergency services or a crisis hotline.

The Stepfamily Reset with Alexandra Harrison, LCSW

In this insightful interview, child psychologist & co-parenting coach, Dr. Karalynn Royster, and Licensed Clinical Social worker, Alexandra Harrison LCSW, explore the complexities of stepfamily dynamics, blending families, and effective coaching strategies. Discover practical tips, research-backed insights, and compassionate approaches to navigate the challenges of blended families and co-parenting. Keywords: stepfamilies, blending families, co-parenting, step-parent coaching, family dynamics, divorce, remarriage, parenting strategies, high conflict families, family therapy Key Topics: * The timeline of blending families and the typical 2-7 year process * Loyalty binds and how they affect children and parents * The importance of balancing warmth and boundaries in stepfamily relationships * The role of coaching versus therapy in supporting stepfamilies * Managing relationships with high conflict ex-partners Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Professional Background 04:25 Navigating Step Family Dynamics 07:13 The Challenges of Repartnering 09:50 Understanding Step-Parenting 12:30 The Impact of Neurodiversity on Family Dynamics 15:13 Step-Parent Coaching: A New Approach 18:21 Core Challenges in Step Families 20:59 Loyalty Binds and Parenting Dynamics 23:56 Creating a Unified Parenting Approach 26:32 Values-Based Parenting in Step Families 30:11 Navigating Stepfamily Dynamics 32:59 The Balancing Act of Parenting and Partnership 37:13 Building Secure Connections in Stepfamilies 40:56 The Complexity of Ex-Spouse Relationships 43:27 Managing Co-Parenting Challenges 50:01 Finding Support and Resources for Stepfamilies 57:12 Introduction to Kids First Co-Parenting 57:40 Support and Resources for Co-Parents 57:54 Disclaimer Resources Step Family Reset Website: https://stepfamilyreset.com [https://stepfamilyreset.com] Alex Harrison's YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@TheAlexHarrison]

Divorce Coaching: The Strategic Layer Between Therapy and Legal Counsel with guest, Andra Davidson

In this episode, Dr. Karalynn Royster and divorce coach Andra Davidson explore the emotional landscape of divorce, effective co-parenting strategies, and how to turn challenging experiences into opportunities for growth. Whether you're in the thick of divorce or just contemplating it, this conversation offers practical advice and reassurance.Key Topics: * The importance of emotional support during divorce and how it impacts conflict and costs * Strategies for approaching co-parenting with intention, boundaries, and a focus on the long-term well-being of children * The role of divorce coaching in managing day-to-day stress, communication, and complex family dynamics * How to define success and set goals for life post-divorce, including envisioning a fulfilling future * The benefits of seeking early guidance before filing for divorce and how support teams collaborate * Differences between therapy, legal work, and coaching—knowing when and how to engage each professional * Managing high-conflict situations and deciding when parallel parenting might be the best approach * The importance of self-care, boundaries, and trusting your instincts in the divorce process * Practical tips for organizational tools, communication strategies, and fostering resilience in children * Resources for ongoing support, including coaching, therapy, and community memberships Resources & Links: * Better Than Before Divorce: [https://betterthanbeforedivorce.com/]Andra Davidson's coaching services * Kids First Co-Parenting Membership [https://learnwithlittlehouse.com/]: Support community for co-parenting moms * Learn with Little House on Instagram [https://instagram.com/learnwithlittlehouse]: Community connection Additional Notes:This episode emphasizes that divorce, while difficult, is an opportunity to rebuild and grow. Support from coaches, therapists, and a community can help you navigate the emotional and practical challenges, ensuring you and your children thrive beyond the separation. Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. This content does not constitute legal or mental health advice and does not establish a therapist patient relationship. Please consult with your own qualified legal or mental health professionals regarding your specific circumstances.

Gaslighting in Co-Parenting: How to Anchor Your Child in Reality

Dr. Karalynn Royster delves into the impact of gaslighting and manipulation on children in high-conflict co-parenting situations. The podcast introduces the Anchor Method as a framework for supporting children and reinforcing their self-trust in challenging family dynamics. Takeaways * Gaslighting and manipulation impact children's sense of reality * The Anchor Method provides a framework for supporting children in high-conflict co-parenting situations * Mistakes and areas where the anchor method goes wrong * Gaslighting and manipulation in co-parenting * The Anchor method for supporting children * Validation techniques for kids in high conflict * Strategies to build self-trust in children (the ANCHOR METHOD) * Handling parental conflict and maintaining boundaries Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Gaslighting in Parenting 00:50 I was gaslit.... 02:42 The ANCHOR Method 04:15 What actually is gaslighting? 06:43 Strategies for Addressing Manipulation 07:38 Validation is important 08:58 The ANCHOR Method 09:38 A-Ask 12:01 N-Name 14:54 Kids First Membership 15:31 C-Confirm 20:14 H-Holding 21:37 O-offer 23:27 R-Reinforce Self-Trust 25:21 Common Mistakes in Implementing the Anchor Method 31:27 Introduction and Disclaimer Download the free ANCHOR Method guide [https://learnwithlittlehouse.myflodesk.com/gaslighting] to learn the five steps that help protect your child from gaslighting without putting them in the middle. If you want deeper support, join the Kids First Membership [https://www.learnwithlittlehouse.com/kids-first-membership] for tools, coaching, and practical strategies to navigate high conflict co-parenting. This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for mental health treatment, legal advice, or professional services. Listening to this podcast does not create a therapist client relationship. If you need individualized support, please consult a qualified mental health or legal professional.