Is My Co-Parent a Narcissist? Warning Signs, Boundaries & How to Protect Your Kids
Release Date: 10/22/2025
Are We De Facto? What It Could Mean for Property, Proof, Time Limits & Your Potential Rights in Australia
The Divorce Course Podcast
🎧 Listen to this episode if… You’re unsure whether your relationship legally counts as de facto Your ex is denying the relationship, the dates, or the level of commitment You want to know how de facto status impacts property settlement You’ve heard about the 2-year rule and want to know if it applies to you You’re wondering if having kids changes your legal rights You’re not married, but financially tangled, and don’t know where you stand You’re trying to prove you were (or weren’t) de facto You were “separated under one roof” and need clarity ...
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Dating During Divorce: What the Family Court Really Thinks About New Relationships
The Divorce Course Podcast
Listen to this episode if… You’re thinking about dating before your divorce, property or children’s matters are final Your ex has a new partner and you’re worried about parenting or property issues You’re unsure how the court sees new relationships in family law matters You want to know what’s okay, what’s risky, and what doesn’t matter at all Wondering if it’s okay to date while your divorce is still in progress? You’re not alone. In this episode, we unpack the legal, emotional, and strategic impacts of dating during divorce especially when children, property...
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From Fear to Freedom: Creating a Safety Plan Before You Need One
The Divorce Course Podcast
Listen to this episode if… You're in a relationship or home where you feel unsafe You’ve left but still don’t feel secure You’re not ready to leave yet but want to prepare You’re supporting someone who may be experiencing abuse You want to understand how to help a friend or loved one stay safe You have a court or mediation event you need to attend with an unsafe ex 📌 Please remember this episode is for general information only and does not replace individual legal or safety advice. For immediate support in Australia, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. When things feel...
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Divorce Holiday Survival Guide: How to Communicate When It’s Complicated
The Divorce Course Podcast
💡 Listen to this episode if... You’re navigating Christmas while going through separation or divorce You’re co-parenting and worried about holiday arrangements or conflict You feel pressure from family and don’t know how to handle it You’re confused about what to expect from lawyers or the courts over the break You’re worried about an emotional or legal crisis over the holidays ⚠️ Legal Disclaimer & Trigger Warning: This episode is for general education and discussion only. It is not legal advice. Always seek guidance from a qualified legal professional for...
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Smart Negotiation at Every Stage of Divorce: Do’s, Don’ts & Power Moves
The Divorce Course Podcast
💡 Listen to this episode if... You're preparing for mediation or trying to negotiate privately What to learn the potential do’s and don’ts of negotiations in divorce You feel like your ex is “sitting pretty” and not engaging You want to know the difference between reasonable and risky offers You’ve made concessions early on and don’t know how to recover You want to avoid court, but still get a fair deal You are in court and want it over ⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general education and discussion only. It is not legal advice. Always seek...
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Divorce Overwhelm – 8 Ways to Stay Sane When Everything Feels Urgent
The Divorce Course Podcast
Listen to this episode if… You're feeling emotionally overloaded Everyone around you has an opinion and it’s stressing you out You're being pushed to make decisions faster than you’re ready for You’re not sure what’s a legal deadline vs. emotional urgency You’re feeling pressure from all sides to get things sorted You are overwhelmed 📌 Legal Disclaimer & Trigger Warning: 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....
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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...
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.
đź“Ś Disclaimer: This episode is for general information and education only. Please seek your own legal, psychological, or medical support for your specific circumstances.
đź“‘ Free Disclosure Checklist
https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/disclosurechecklist
đź’» 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
đź’” 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.
đź’¬ 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.
đź’Ş 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.
đź”— 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
🎙️ Mediation or Manipulation?
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.
đź“Ś Legal Disclaimer: This episode is for general information only and is not legal advice. Please seek your own legal support for your specific circumstances.