Hey there!

I just had to share something with you that's been on my heart since recording this week's episode.

You know how we often hear families described as "broken" after divorce? Well, what if I told you there's someone out there completely reframing that narrative - and actually helping families become more functional, not less?

Meet Karen McNenny, my guest on this week's Teen Anxiety Maze episode. She's a certified divorce coach, mediator, and therapist who's been doing this work for over 25 years. But here's what makes her different: she works with BOTH parents together, not as adversaries across a table, but as a team focused on one goal - protecting their children's future.

What hit me hardest about our conversation:

Karen shared a story about her own 10-year-old daughter, Sophia, who literally stopped her mom mid-sentence during a hike and said, "That sounds like a conversation you should have with dad - it's not really helpful for me to hear about it."

Can you imagine? This wise little soul basically taught her mom (and all of us) that kids shouldn't be the reporters, negotiators, or mediators between homes. They need an exit strategy from those uncomfortable conversations.

The practical stuff that will blow your mind:

Stop saying "Mom's house" and "Dad's house" - Karen's families use names like "the Lily house" and "the Gilbert house" or "the park house" and "the ocean view house." Why? Because when kids hear "Mom's house," they feel like visitors, not family members with two homes.
The Boomerang Folder - Instead of kids having to be reporters about their week, parents send schoolwork, artwork, and updates back and forth so both homes stay connected to the child's story.
Family text threads - Imagine your kid lands their first skateboard trick at Dad's house, and Mom gets to celebrate it in real time. The child sees both parents supporting their joy, not compartmentalizing their life.

Why this matters for ALL of us:

Even if you're not navigating divorce, Karen's insights about curiosity before criticism, the power of repair in relationships, and helping kids feel safe to set boundaries? Pefect for any family.

The episode also dives deep into how divorce anxiety shows up differently at different ages - and spoiler alert: your college-aged kids still need that unified parent team more than you might think.

Here's what I want you to know:

If you're in the middle of divorce proceedings, thinking about divorce, or trying to co-parent better after a difficult split - you don't have to choose between staying miserable and destroying your family. There's a third option, and Karen is showing families how to find it every single day.

She even offers a free first consultation because, as she says, "You probably talked to lots of people about your wedding before you planned it - shouldn't you get educated about divorce too?"

Listen to the full episode below to hear Karen's complete roadmap for transforming family transitions from chaos into something that actually works.

And honestly? Even if divorce isn't your reality, the communication strategies and boundary-setting tools we discuss will make you a better parent, partner, and human.

Let me know what resonates most with you after you listen. I have a feeling this conversation is going to stick with a lot of us.

With love and hope for healthier families everywhere,
Cynthia
The Teen Anxiety Maze

Watch the full episode now!

Karen's Bio and Links:

Karen McNenny is a mediator, divorce coach, and therapist dedicated

to transforming how families navigate divorce. Through her Good Divorce Experience™, she helps couples not only get divorced but also learn how to maintain healthy post-divorce relationships, especially when children are involved. With more than 25 years of expertise, Karen focuses on co-parenting, financial planning, and relationship literacy, guiding families towards compassionate outcomes. A TEDx speaker and host of the The Good Divorce Show Podcast™, Karen draws from her own divorce journey to offer hope and healing. She lives in Missoula, Montana, with her family and dog, enjoying the outdoors in the Rocky Mountains.

Email Karen at: karen@karenmcnenny.com

Check out her contact info below. ⬇️