Episode 287

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Published on:

12th Mar 2026

Co-Parenting After Divorce: How to Put Children First

Divorce can be one of the most difficult transitions a family faces, but it does not have to damage a child’s future. In this episode of Life = Choices; Choices = Life, Kim Olver continues her conversation with attorney Christopher Anderson about how parents can navigate divorce while protecting their children’s emotional well-being. Don't forget to check out Part 1.

Christopher shares practical guidance on healthy co-parenting, including why parents should focus less on controlling routines in the other household and more on supporting the child’s relationship with both parents. He explains how parenting plans are meant to guide families—not control them—and why flexibility, trust, and cooperation are often more beneficial for children than rigid adherence to legal documents.

The conversation also explores how parents can avoid common mistakes during divorce, such as questioning children about the other household, competing for affection, or unintentionally placing emotional burdens on their kids. Instead, Christopher emphasizes the importance of creating a hopeful vision for the future and helping children feel secure, loved, and supported during family transitions.

You’ll also hear about Christopher’s innovative approach to family law at New Leaf Family, which focuses on future-oriented problem-solving rather than conflict-driven litigation.

If you’re navigating divorce, co-parenting, or parenting plans, this episode offers thoughtful insight on how to help children remain resilient and emotionally secure while families adjust to new structures.

Learn more about Christopher Anderson and New Leaf Family at https://www.newleaf.family.

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About the Podcast

Life = Choices; Choices = Life
Practical Conversations About Leadership, Relationships, and Personal Responsibility Through Mental Freedom
Hosted by author, speaker, and coach Kim Olver, Life = Choices; Choices = Life explores how personal responsibility, emotional awareness, and intentional decision-making shape our relationships, leadership, and everyday lives.

Drawing on the principles of Choice Theory® and the framework of Mental Freedom®, Kim has thoughtful conversations with experts, educators, coaches, and leaders about how people can respond to life with greater clarity, connection, and purpose.

Kim Olver is the author of several books on relationships and personal growth, including Mental Freedom®: You Hold the Key, Choosing Me Now, and Secrets of Happy Couples.

Each episode offers practical insights on topics such as:

• Relationships and couples
• Parenting and family dynamics
• Leadership and workplace culture
• coaching and personal development
• Education and human behavior
• Emotional resilience and mental health
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

Through interviews and occasional solo reflections, Kim helps listeners understand how our thinking shapes our actions—and how choosing responsibility over blame can lead to healthier relationships, stronger leadership, and a greater sense of freedom.

If you're interested in personal growth, meaningful conversations, and learning how to respond to life with intention rather than reaction, this podcast offers ideas, tools, and perspectives you can apply right away.

Because ultimately,

Life equals choices… and choices equal life.

About your host

Profile picture for Kim Olver

Kim Olver

Kim Olver's mission is to help people make better choices for a better life. She is a licensed clinical professional counselor, a nationally certified counselor and a board certified coach. She is a world renowned expert in Choice Theory™ , a highly sought after international speaker and an award-winning author. Her books include: Leveraging Diversity at Work with Sylvester Baugh (2006), Secrets of Happy Couples (2010), Choosing Me Now (2019) and A Choice Theory Guide to Relationships (2019). Kim is currently working on the forthcoming books, The Definitive Guide to Coaching and Radical Responsibility and Appreciation. Kim is the author of The Relationship Center blog; creator of Empowerment Parenting, a 25-hour parenting curriculum for court-mandated parents; and owner of Academy of Choice, a BCC (Board Certified Coach) Coaching Program. Kim worked five years as a counselor for schizophrenics in a community-based residential program, 17 years holding various positions with a specialized foster care agency, was Executive Director of Glasser Institute for Choice Theory for nine years and the Executive Director for William Glasser International for eight; and began her own company, Coaching for Excellence, in 2005. She is a model of what she teaches about taking responsibility for the things she can influence and control and finding appreciation for those things she can't. Kim believes radical responsibility and appreciation are the keys to a happy, peaceful, satisfying life.