Managing your relationship with an unreliable or uncooperative co-parent can be challenging, especially if you worry about your children spending time with them. I have worked with hundreds of women navigating divorce and want to reassure you that there is a lot of research supporting the fact that one healthy parent can outweigh the impact of an unhealthy parent.

If you feel there are true safety concerns (this does not include less nutritious snacks or a later bedtime), it is important that you consult your legal team about options. Speaking with a child therapist or checking in with your child’s pediatrician are other helpful avenues. If you don’t have safety concerns but your relationship with your co-parent is strained, or you’re worried about their parenting style, here are six things that can help.

1. Check in with your co-parent about your concerns in a non-accusatory tone. Use neutral starting phrases like “I know we both want what is best for Sammy” or “I know Sammy can exaggerate, so I wanted to check in about what he told me.” Many children aren’t accurate........

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