Is My Co-Parent a Narcissist? Warning Signs, Boundaries & How to Protect Your Kids
Release Date: 10/22/2025
Family Law Myths: Don’t Fall for These 5 During Separation
The Divorce Course Podcast
Listen to this episode if… You're in the middle of a separation and unsure what advice to follow Friends, family, or Facebook have told you "what to do" You’ve heard you can’t leave the house without losing everything You feel pressured not to bring up domestic violence You’re confused about disclosure, super splitting, or property rights 📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and is not legal advice. Please seek your own legal support for your specific circumstances. This discussion is based in Australia. ALSO TRIGGER WARNING...
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Child Inclusive Mediation: Risks, Realities, and Red Flags
The Divorce Course Podcast
Listen to this episode if... You’ve been offered child inclusive mediation and don’t know what to expect You’re worried about how separation is affecting your child You’re in a high-conflict co-parenting situation or dealing with coercive control You’ve been told that involving your child in mediation will “help” You want to make informed, child-centered decisions in your family law journey 📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and is not legal advice. Please seek your own legal support for your specific circumstances. This...
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Co-Parenting Without Court Orders: The Real Rules and Red Flags You Need to Know
The Divorce Course Podcast
Listen to this episode if... You’re newly separated and trying to figure out parenting arrangements. You don’t have court orders yet and things are already getting tense. Your ex is unreliable, manipulative, or emotionally unpredictable. You're feeling pressured to agree to arrangements that feel unsafe or unfair. You want to avoid court but don’t want to be taken advantage of. Trying to co-parent after separation without court orders? This episode offers a general discussion that may help you better understand the common challenges many face during this stage. Mum and I...
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Business Tricks in Divorce: 10 Sneaky Tactics to Watch Out For and Outsmart!
The Divorce Course Podcast
Listen to this episode if... You're divorcing or separating from someone who owns or runs a business. You're in a family business with your ex and things are getting murky. You suspect your ex is hiding assets or undervaluing the business. You’re overwhelmed by the complexity of business valuations in divorce. You're preparing for mediation or court and want to understand your options. 📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and is not legal advice. Please seek your own legal support for your specific circumstances. Divorcing a business...
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Is My Co-Parent a Narcissist? Warning Signs, Boundaries & How to Protect Your Kids
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if… You constantly walk away from conversations with your ex feeling drained, confused, or second-guessing yourself. Co-parenting feels more like a battleground than teamwork. You suspect your ex might be narcissistic or manipulative, but you’re not sure what to do about it. You want to learn how to protect your children emotionally while staying calm and in control. You’re tired of being baited into fights and want tools to respond, not react. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses family violence, coercive control, and trauma...
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The Post-Divorce Glow-Up: Steps to Emotional Recovery after Abuse
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if… 💔 You’ve left an abusive relationship but still feel stuck, numb, or confused. 🧠 You’re trying to understand why you still feel controlled, scared, or exhausted. 💬 You want to know what healing actually looks like and how long it takes. 💪 You’re ready to start finding yourself again after years of walking on eggshells. 🌸 You want to rebuild your confidence, identity, and hope for the future. 💫 You just need to hear that full recovery is possible ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses family violence, coercive control, and trauma...
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Mediation Made Easier: 5 Things to Prepare So You Don’t Freeze, Fold, or Fail
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if… 💬 You’ve got mediation coming up and don’t know where to start. 😰 You’re feeling stressed or unprepared to face your ex about custody or property. 📑 You want to know what to bring and how to prepare your documents. ⚖️ You need tips for negotiating calmly and confidently. 🚩 You’re dealing with a high-conflict or manipulative ex. 💸 You want to avoid costly mistakes and stay out of family court. 🧠 You just want to feel ready and in control on the day. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses family violence, coercive control,...
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Percentages in Divorce Property Settlements Explained
The Divorce Course Podcast
Listen to This Episode If You… 🏠 Have been told divorce property settlements are always 50/50 🤔 Want to understand how contributions (financial and non-financial) are weighed ⚖️ Are trying to figure out how your future needs affect your share 💰 Suspect your ex has wasted or hidden money and want to know what that means 📝 Need to know whether you can work out percentages yourself or need a lawyer 🧾 Are preparing for mediation or property negotiations and want strategies to stay strong 👶 Want to know how parenting responsibilities and children’s needs affect percentages...
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The Hidden Connection: Custody Battles & Property Splits in Divorce
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to This Episode If You… ✨ Are in the middle of property and custody negotiations ⚖️ Have an ex who’s threatened to push for more custody unless you agree to property terms 🏡 Want to understand how family courts consider housing and children’s needs in property settlement 😟 Are worried about being pressured or manipulated during mediation 💡 Want practical strategies to protect your kids’ best interests and your financial future ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses family violence, coercive control, and situations that may feel unsafe. 📌...
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Stuck Under One Roof After Break Up or Divorce: What Are The Options?
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to This Episode If You… You’re separated but can’t afford to move out of the family home. You’re afraid leaving means you’ll lose your rights to the house. Your ex refuses to cooperate, acknowledge the separation, or leave. You’re experiencing coercive control or financial abuse after separation. Episode Summary Separation is hard enough — but what happens when you and your ex are still living under the same roof? For many, moving out simply isn’t an option: finances are tight, safety is uncertain, and myths about “losing the house” keep people trapped in...
info_outline🎧 Listen to this episode if…
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You constantly walk away from conversations with your ex feeling drained, confused, or second-guessing yourself.
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Co-parenting feels more like a battleground than teamwork.
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You suspect your ex might be narcissistic or manipulative, but you’re not sure what to do about it.
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You want to learn how to protect your children emotionally while staying calm and in control.
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You’re tired of being baited into fights and want tools to respond, not react.
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses family violence, coercive control, and trauma recovery.
📌 Disclaimer: This episode is for general information and education only. Please seek your own legal, psychological, or medical support for your specific circumstances.
https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/disclosurechecklist
💻 The Divorce Course Free Resources
https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au
What You’ll Learn: Is My Co-Parent a Narcissist? Warning Signs, Boundaries & How to Protect Your Kids
💔 Recognising the Signs:
Mia explains how narcissistic or high-conflict co-parents reveal themselves — through blame-shifting, entitlement, image obsession, and control.
⚖️ The Court Reality Check:
Lyn shares why using the word “narcissist” in court can backfire — and how to instead describe their behaviours (the “ingredients” rather than “the cake”).
🧱 Setting Boundaries That Stick:
How to stop being pulled into chaos, manage constant conflicts, and accept “who you’re dealing with” so you can regain power.
🧒 Protecting the Kids:
Red flags to watch for in how your ex uses or manipulates the children — and how to model calm, consistent parenting when they don’t.
💬 Parenting Teenagers of Narcissistic Exes:
Mia and Lyn dive into the tricky years — when kids start echoing their narcissistic parent’s behaviour — and how to hold firm without turning into your ex.
💪 Your Healing & Hope:
Why the most powerful move isn’t “winning” against your ex — it’s rebuilding your self-trust, removing their emotional “buttons,” and staying in your own lane.
🔗 Guest Expert
Mia from Grey Rock Consulting — https://www.greyrockconsulting.com.au/
Lawyer, founder, and Australia’s first certified Master High Conflict Negotiation Coach (trained by Rebecca Zung).
Mia helps clients and lawyers navigate high-conflict personalities with strategy, clarity, and self-preservation.
⏱️ Episode Timeline –
00:00 — Intro: Are You Co-Parenting with a Narcissist? Signs to Watch For
00:34 — Meet Mia from Grey Rock Consulting: Expert in Narcissists & High-Conflict Exes
02:11 — What Narcissistic Co-Parenting Really Looks Like (and Why It’s So Draining)
13:51 — How Narcissistic Co-Parenting Affects Kids Emotionally and Psychologically
18:25 — Setting Boundaries with a Narcissist: Staying Calm & In Control
21:49 — What to Include (and Avoid) in Parenting Orders or Plans
26:22 — Custody Chaos: When Your Narcissistic Ex Twists the Rules
26:45 — Unexpected Changes & Power Plays: How to Handle Parenting Plan Disputes
27:32 — Dealing with Difficult Co-Parents Who Refuse to Cooperate
29:12 — Emotional Recovery: Healing After Narcissistic Abuse
29:53 — When to Push Back (and When to Let It Go) in Co-Parenting Conflicts
35:08 — Teenagers & Narcissistic Parents: What to Do When Kids Mirror the Ex
37:38 — Maintaining Boundaries, Consistency & Emotional Safety at Home
40:39 — Becoming the Positive Role Model Your Kids Need
43:22 — Focusing on You: Self-Growth, Strength & Rebuilding Confidence
46:44 — Where to Get Help: Support, Counselling & Co-Parenting Resources
49:15 — Final Thoughts: Finding Freedom from a Narcissistic Co-Parent
Related Episodes:
Is it emotional abuse?
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2bSCQ3JdcU4xxW7D4LJUxG?si=VV8mR7aYS7uJYstTMYwZvg
Post Divorce Glow Up
https://open.spotify.com/episode/7JoSZEPWiMgM1N1G1C6WSU?si=HDBpOPXqTnmzzrIudA16tQ
Divorcing an abuser
https://open.spotify.com/episode/21TpYbC15VJt9lnb82Ub13?si=lonuOpx8Q22ZRrKKbArc0g
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4P1DjaMtXTq2sbel4qywew
🎙️ The Narcissist Playbook
https://open.spotify.com/episode/00kTon70LllVE97X8zn9vK
🚨 Support Services (Australia):
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1800 RESPECT – Family Violence Support
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Lifeline 13 11 14 – Crisis Support
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Police – Call 000 if you are in danger
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode discusses family violence, coercive control, and situations that may feel unsafe.
📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and is not legal advice. Please seek your own legal support for your specific circumstances.