You Don’t Have to Be BFFs to Be Great Co-Parents
The Cordial Co-Parent
In this episode of The Cordial Co-Parent, I’m clearing up one of the biggest myths out there—that in order to co-parent well, you’ve gotta be best friends with your ex. Let me go ahead and say it: you don’t need to be texting your ex's new partner memes or sending out matching Christmas cards to do this right. You just need peace, respect, and a plan that works for your child. That’s it. I share a little bit about my own story. Yes, I’ve got pictures out there with me, my ex, and his wife all hugged up at a basketball game, but don’t let that fool you. We’re more the exception...
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Facilitative Gatekeeping: The One Co-Parenting Skill That Changes Everything
The Cordial Co-Parent
Have you ever met someone who keeps all the good things to themselves? Like that woman in a stunning dress who suddenly “forgets” where she bought it? Yeah, we all hate a gatekeeper! But what if I told you that you might be gatekeeping too—not with a dress, but with your child? In this episode of The Cordial Co-Parent, we’re diving into something called facilitative gatekeeping—a term that might sound technical, but trust me, it’s so important. This is all about whether you’re making it easier or harder for your child to have a relationship with their other parent. And here’s...
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Stay in Your Lane: How Co-Parents Can Complement, Not Compete
The Cordial Co-Parent
Stay in Your Lane: How Co-Parents Can Complement, Not Compete Co-parenting is not about outdoing each other—it’s about working together. But let’s be real, too many parents get stuck in the competition trap. Who’s the better parent? Who’s doing more? Who’s getting credit? And in the middle of that tug-of-war? Your kids. But here’s the truth: You don’t have to do it all. In fact, trying to be everything for your kids will only leave you frustrated, exhausted, and resentful. And when you’re operating from that place, guess what? You’re not showing up as the best version of...
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The Cordial Effect: How Co-Parenting Shapes Kids' Emotional Health
The Cordial Co-Parent
We’ve all heard the phrase “divorce destroys kids,” but what if I told you that’s not the whole truth? The science says otherwise. It’s not the divorce itself that harms children—it’s how their parents handle it. In this episode of The Cordial Co-Parent, we’re breaking down the real impact of co-parenting on a child’s emotional well-being and why the way you navigate this journey matters more than you think. I’ll be sharing how science backs up what I’ve seen firsthand—when parents work together, kids thrive. But when conflict, inconsistency, and tension take over, the...
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Started from the Bottom, Now We're Here
The Cordial Co-Parent
In this first episode of The Cordial Co-Parent, I’m taking you back to where it all began. From tension-filled exchanges and family traditions that felt more like battlegrounds than celebrations to where we are now—celebrating milestones together, co-parenting as a true team, and even hanging out like family. But let’s be real: not every co-parenting story has a happy ending. Too many kids grow up caught in the middle, tiptoeing around eggshells, carrying the weight of their parents’ resentment. And that pain doesn’t just disappear when they grow up—it lingers. That’s why I’m...
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The Cordial Co-Parent Trailer
The Cordial Co-Parent
Welcome! I'm Brandi Garner, and you're listening to The Cordial Co-Parent, your go-to guide for keeping co-parenting fun, friendly, and totally focused on the kids! Don't believe that's possible? Tune in each week for tips, tools, and the juicy tails of how my ex-husband, his wife, and I navigated our bumpy beginnings and paved a path to a partnership that feels more like family than foes. Grab a seat at our table, and let me show you how we keep it cordial!
info_outlineIn this episode of The Cordial Co-Parent, I’m clearing up one of the biggest myths out there—that in order to co-parent well, you’ve gotta be best friends with your ex.
Let me go ahead and say it: you don’t need to be texting your ex's new partner memes or sending out matching Christmas cards to do this right. You just need peace, respect, and a plan that works for your child. That’s it.
I share a little bit about my own story. Yes, I’ve got pictures out there with me, my ex, and his wife all hugged up at a basketball game, but don’t let that fool you. We’re more the exception than the rule, and it took time, effort, and healing to get there. You do not need that kind of closeness to be successful.
We talk about how social media can make you feel like you're falling short, but the truth is: most good co-parents aren’t super close—they’re just consistent.
In this episode, I break down what “cordial” really means (hint: it’s not about being friends- it’s about being functional), and I share three quick, real-life tips from my Cordial Compass to help you stay grounded, gracious, and focused on your kids.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough because your co-parenting situation doesn’t look picture-perfect, this one’s for you.