9 Books About Co-Parenting
A list of co-parenting books to help parents in a variety of situations with shared custody.
There are so many co-parenting resources available to help you navigate shared custody. Some are geared towards parents in high-conflict situations and others are aimed at parents in amicable relationships. Here, we’ve compiled a range of co-parenting books to help parents deal with a variety of circumstances along this journey.
Check out our list of 9 books about co-parenting:
Co-Parenting 101: Helping Your Kids Thrive in Two Households After Divorce by Deesha Philyaw and Michael D. Thomas
Co-Parenting 101 is based on the premise that co-parenting is a must, not an option. The involvement of both parents – not just the primary guardian – is the cornerstone of successful co-parenting. This is the first book written by a formerly married couple for whom co-parenting is central to their day-to-day lives, and it offers a comprehensive, personal, and upfront look at how to effectively raise kids with an ex-spouse. Learn more.
Keep it Classy: Co-Parenting Strategies for Unstoppable Moms and Devoted Dads by Monyetta Shaw
This book is a personal guide discussing co-parenting in the modern world. Monyetta shares wisdom from her personal story with the hopes it can help others in the same situation. The book’s message is that it’s possible to have a healthy co-parenting relationship if you’re willing to put in the work. Learn more.
The Co-Parenting Handbook: Raising Well-Adjusted and Resilient Kids from Little Ones to Young Adults through Divorce or Separation by Karen Bonnell with Kristin Little
Addressing questions about the emotional impact of separation, conflict, grief, and recovery, the authors provide a road map for all family members to safely navigate through separation/divorce and beyond. Through tested and reassuring guidance, parents will discover how to move from angry, hurt partners to constructive, successful co-parents who are able to put their children’s needs first. Learn more.
Successful Co-Parenting with a Toxic Ex: A Guided Journal to Support and Encourage You and Your Children by Susan Buniva
It’s possible to stay positive and raise emotionally healthy children with a toxic ex when you have the right tools and support. This guided journal provides compassionate prompts and practices that will help you make peace with your situation, co-parent in a way that serves the best interests of your child or children, and ultimately recover and move on with your life. Learn more.
Healthy Children of Divorce in 10 Simple Steps by Shannon Rios Paulsen
Shannon Rios Paulsen, MS LMFT is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has specialized in families of divorce and conflict since 2003. During this time, she has successfully assisted hundreds of families of divorce in creating healthy environments for their children. Through her experience growing up in a family of high-conflict and divorce, she knew there was a better way for our children, which is what she explores in this book. Learn more.
Joint Custody with a Jerk: Raising a Child with an Uncooperative Ex by Julie A. Ross and Judy Corcoran
It’s a fact that parenting is hard enough in a family where two parents love and respect each other. After divorce, when the respect has diminished and the love has often turned to intense dislike, co-parenting can be nearly impossible. Joint Custody with a Jerk offers many proven communication techniques to help you deal with your difficult ex-husband or ex-wife. Learn more.
Mindful Co-Parenting: A Child-Friendly Path through Divorce by Jeremy S. Gaies and James B. Morris
Mindful Co-Parenting provides divorced parents a practical way through the process that protects their children. In this compact, step-by-step guide, written in a supportive yet direct style, clinical psychologists Jeremy S. Gaies, Psy.D., and James B. Morris Jr., Ph.D., identify what matters most to kids and describe the importance of parents being mindful of their children’s needs and wants. Learn more.
Mom’s House, Dad’s House: Making Two Homes for Your Child by Isolina Ricci, Ph.D.
Internationally renowned therapist, family expert, and mediator Isolina Ricci, Ph.D. presents this definitive and newly updated guide to divorce and making shared custody work for parents and children. This book includes examples, self-tests, checklists, tools, and guidelines to help separated moms and dads with legal, emotional, and financial issues they will encounter as they work to create happy and stable homes. Learn more.
Parenting Apart: How Separated and Divorced Parents Can Raise Happy and Secure Kids by Christina McGhee
This book is the ultimate resource for separated and divorced parents, written by an internationally acclaimed expert on divorce and its impact on children. This comprehensive and empowering guide is filled with practical, effective ways to minimize the effects of divorce on children and offers immediate solutions to the most critical parenting problems divorce brings. Learn more.
While books are a great way to help you start navigating your co-parenting journey, contacting a child psychologist or family counselor for more recommendations is also a good idea. Having support from professionals is a great way to ensure co-parenting success. If you and your co-parent are looking for tools to help make shared parenting easier, check out our features.