Jann Blackstone, PsyD, is a retired Superior Court Child Custody Recommending Counselor (mediator), cur­rently in private practice, who specializes in conflict resolution and cooperative co-parenting. She is the founder of Bonus Families, a nonprofit supporting separated parents in their effort to co-parent, and author of Ex-Etiquette for Parents and The Bonus Family Handbook.

INTRODUCTION 1
About This Book 3
Foolish Assumptions 4
Language Used in This Book 4
Icons Used in This Book 5
How This Book Is Organized 5
Part 1: Building the Foundation 6
Part 2: Making Co-Parenting Work Day to Day 6
Part 3: Finding Balance 6
Part 4: Managing Special Occasions and Child-Centered Milestones 6
Part 5: The Part of Tens 7
Beyond the Book 7

PART 1: BUILDING THE FOUNDATION 9
CHAPTER 1: Understanding What Co-Parenting Means 11
CHAPTER 2: Setting the Stage for Collaborative Co-Parenting 21
CHAPTER 3: Establishing Co-Parenting Goals and Designing a Collaborative Plan 35
CHAPTER 4: Communicating Effectively 55

PART 2: MAKING CO-PARENTING WORK DAY TO DAY 73
CHAPTER 5: Accepting the Back-and-Forth Lifestyle 75
CHAPTER 6: Dating After a Breakup 85
CHAPTER 7: Establishing Parenting Plans 107
CHAPTER 8: Child and Spousal Support 139
CHAPTER 9: Forming Your Co-Parenting Team 147

PART 3: FINDING BALANCE 171
CHAPTER 10: Making Both Homes Safe Places 173
CHAPTER 11: Helping Your Children Cope with Your Breakup 201
CHAPTER 12: Coping with Your Own Stress 217

PART 4: MANAGING SPECIAL OCCASIONS AND CHILD-CENTERED MILESTONES 237
CHAPTER 13: Enjoying Holidays and Child-Centered Milestones 239
CHAPTER 14: Making a New Commitment, and Planning the Festivities 261
CHAPTER 15: Supporting Children of Co-Parents When They Commit or Marry 285

PART 5: THE PART OF TENS 297
CHAPTER 16: Ten Rules of Good Ex Etiquette 299
CHAPTER 17: Ten Practical Resets 305

INDEX 309