The Bridging Coach

Tips for Successful Co-Parenting During the Holidays:

Plan Early:
Start by reviewing the parenting plan and how you will spend time during the holidays. Look at the kids’ school plans, events, and family traditions that both parents want to keep. Your holiday season will be less stressful if you and your co-parent are on the save page with expectations

Focus on Gratitude and Positivity:
Particularly in cases with high conflict, co-parenting isn’t always a seamless procedure. These useful techniques help one to handle the unavoidable roadblocks:

Balance Flexibility with Firm Boundaries:
While flexibility is essential over the holidays, one should also hold boundaries. One parent’s last-minute wish to shift days can disturb things. Tell them kindly but firmly of the agreement until a real emergency develops. Flexibility ought to be two-fold rather than only one.

Keep the Focus on the Kids’ Experience:
This season is about the kids, not about one-upping your co-parent. Steer clear of trying to outshine the other parent with gifts or activities since it will just cause conflict. Focus on being stress-free and valuing your time with your children.

Address Issues Before They Escalate:
If you are seeing from different perspectives seek help from a Mediator if needed.

Being prepared and flexible will help to bring joy to your holiday season.

Brett and I feel truly grateful for the opportunity to be guest speakers at DivorceCare. This program is so meaningful, and it’s an honor to support others navigating the emotional and financial challenges of divorce. Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their stories, and reminded us of the strength in community.

Choosing to proceed with a divorce is a big emotional choice. Once you decide to proceed with a divorce, what are the steps to take? Acting deliberately and precisely will help you keep expenses low and remain friendly with your partner.

Communicate Openly and Honestly

Get Important Documents

Make a thorough financial plan

Consider Mediation Once You Decide to Proceed With a Divorce

Prioritize Children’s Well-being

Seek Professional Guidance

Stay Organized and Document Everything

Focus on Amicable Negotiations

Self-Care and Emotional Support

Plan for your future

These are steps for a peaceful and reasonably affordable divorce, therefore laying the groundwork for a better future.

Visit www.bridgeyourdivorce.com to learn more.

Marriage is not always easy. Couples that deal with consistent issues can strain their relationship and they may be faced with the decision on whether to stay or go. Let’s explore the subtleties of marriage and deciding to stay or go.
The Choice to Stay
The question of commitment is among the most crucial ones people consider when determining whether to remain in a marriage. The National Library of Medicine noted a couples commitment to be one of the important predictors of marital continuity and stability. Commitment can help them to persevere through difficult times and get over obstacles together. A marriage can provide opportunity for personal development. Couples that communicate, compromise, and are resilient can strengthen and improve their relationship.
Moreover, the Institute for Family studies provided evidence of family structure and stability for children, and said “children raised by married parents are more likely to flourish compared to children raised in single-parent families.” Children from married parents usually grow up having more resources, a stable home with more time spent with their parents.
The Choice to Leave:
Remaining in a marriage may not always be the best course of action. You may ask if the connection is bringing fulfillment, respect, and love. To maintain the marriage, would you be sacrificing your own happiness and well-being? Choosing when to part ways depends heavily on this introspection.
Convincing Questions and Opinions
People may question themselves many things when determining whether to stay or go:
1. Have we tried every counseling, therapy or communication option to save the marriage?
2. Is there mutual respect, and consideration for each other?
3. Do we have shared goals, ideals, or future visions?
4. Are we capable of forgiving or do we carry resentment and hatred?
5. Are we staying together out of genuine concern for one another or out of fear of the unknown?

Ultimately this a very personal and complex choice. People have to be transparent and honest with themselves when choosing to stay or go.

Join us on May 2 from 5:30-7 pm to discuss how Mindset Matters when dealing with family transitions.

Space is limited, sign up today if interested.

Mindset Matter: Family Transitions Join a divorce coach and a family law attorney as we learn about the importance of mindset when dealing with all kinds of family transitions

Brett and I really enjoyed presenting at DivorceCare this week. What a great program for people going through divorce.

Benefits of Out-of-Court Divorce
Maintaining Control: One of the fundamental benefits of out-of-court divorce is that couples retain control over the outcome of their divorce. Rather of relying on a judge to make important choices, spouses can actively participate in developing solutions that address their own needs and interests.
Reduce Conflict: Traditional courtroom divorces can increase the friction between spouses, resulting in prolonged litigation and increased resentment. Out-of-court divorce processes promote cooperation and open communication, assisting spouses in reducing conflict and preserving their relationships, which is especially crucial when children are involved.
Cost-Effective: Litigation may be expensive, with attorney bills, court charges, and other expenses piling up. Out-of-court divorces are often less expensive because they involve less billable hours from attorneys and avoid the costs connected with courtroom proceedings.
Faster Resolution: Courtroom divorces can last months or even years, generating stress and uncertainty for both parties. Out-of-court divorces, on the other hand, often result in faster outcomes, allowing spouses to move on with their lives.
Privacy: Court procedures are public record, which means that intimate information about a couple’s divorce may become public knowledge. Out-of-court divorce provides greater privacy, allowing spouses to keep personal affairs private and sensitive information protected from public scrutiny.

Transforming Relationships
Relationships are the threads that bind our lives together. However, disagreements are unavoidable, and how we handle them can make or break us .Let’s look at some quick and easy ways to harness the power of these technologies and promote stronger connections.

Active Listening: The Building Block of Connection

1. Give Your Full Attention
2. Use Verbal and Nonverbal cues
3. Reflect and Paraphrase
4. Ask Follow-Up Questions
5. Show empathy and validate feelings

Conflict Resolution Communication: Bridging the Gap
Once active listening has been established, conflict resolution communication serves as a bridge to help people traverse conflicts and discover common ground.

1. Identify the Problem Clearly
2. Express Your Perspective Effectively
3. Practice Active Listening (Again)
4. Collaborate to find solutions.
5. Decide on a Plan and Follow Through

Active listening and conflict resolution communication are effective techniques for transforming relationships. Incorporating these basic steps into your relationships creates the foundation for stronger connections, mutual understanding, and the resilience required to weather the inevitable storms. As a certified divorce coach and family mediator, I’ve witnessed how these abilities can improve relationships by laying the groundwork for healthier connections in the future.

It was an honor to go on WCCO to talk about "Divorce Month" with Vineeta Sawkar.

Why is January the top month for divorces? - The Morning News with Vineeta Sawkar Can this marriage be saved? That's the question some couples are asking this month. Ways to avoid that trying process from Certified Divorce Coach Bridget Leschinsky, who joined Vineeta to discuss on The WCCO Morning News.

If you are looking for an inspiring gift for the holidays, this is a special story of strength and courage that stays with you long after you read it. The story is based on adoption and highlights the human need for connection. Our friend Jamie Wilson is the talented author. We love her and the book! 💕

Great gift for any age! Enjoy, and Happy Holidays! 🎄

The Tree Began With Me https://a.co/d/c3JEiS0

Keep your peace this holiday season. Here are 7 quick tips to help navigate difficult relationships.

Navigating Difficult Relationships this Holiday Season The Bridging Coach provides 7 tips for Navigating Difficult Relationships this Holiday Season. Learn how to protect your well being.

Brett and I teamed up to present at the Financial Advisors annual Ascend conference. Two Leschinsky’s on navigating a divorce. We saw some old friends and met some new ones. What a good experience!

Understand why taking the time to slow down and gain clarity on your path before filing for divorce is an invaluable investment in your future. By following these five steps, you can navigate the early stages of the process with confidence and ensure you don’t look back with regret.

The Importance of Slowing Down Before Divorce - The Bridging Coach The Bridging Coach discusses The Importance of Slowing Down Before Divorce: Avoiding Regrets and Finding Clarity.

Please share if you know someone who is struggling with the idea of divorce or in the process.

We know it can be a stressful time. Our hope is to create an inviting and helpful environment for those who join us.

Our Panelists: Divorce Attorney, Financial Professional, Parenting Plan Expert, Divorce Coach and a Divorce Mortgage Expert.

This is a FREE event, but space is limited. Register early: NavigatingDivorce.eventbrite.com

Date: Thursday, October 26th
Time: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Location: Plymouth Community Center - Birch Room
Address: 14800 34th Ave N, Plymouth, MN 55447
Contact: (763) 509-5280
Refreshments Provided

One of the most difficult transitions for many parents is sending their youngest child off to college. This emotional journey can be difficult. I recently experienced my youngest leaving for college and currently navigating an empty nest and all the emotions that follow.

Navigating an Empty Nest - The Bridging Coach The Bridging Coach examines the topic of Navigating an Empty Nest. Learn how to work through your emotions.

Not all troubled marriages end in divorce. However, it’s evident that some marriages do not last. We will explore ways to empower your journey when contemplating divorce, and set you on a path that aligns with your personal needs and relationship dynamics. Understanding the common causes of divorce can shed light on the issues many couples face and provide insight to make informed decisions during this difficult time.

When contemplating divorce, seeking professional support can be transformative. A certified divorce coach, in particular, offers invaluable assistance during this challenging time. As an unbiased professional, a divorce coach helps you gain clarity about your situation, navigate emotional complexities, and make well-informed decisions that align with your long-term goals. They assist in setting realistic objectives, honing communication skills, and providing guidance on co-parenting strategies when children are involved. A divorce coach can empower your journey when contemplating divorce.
While a certified divorce coach cannot give legal advice, they can help you understand the landscape of divorce and offer referrals for collaborating with other professionals who can help your unique situation. The ultimate objective is to empower you so that you can face challenges in the relationship, or out of the relationship, with self-assurance and resilience.

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Divorce can be one of the most stressful and anxiety-provoking events in a person’s life. It can be overwhelming to deal with the emotional, financial, and legal aspects of a divorce. As a certified divorce coach, I have some practical suggestions to help you reduce anxiety during this challenging time.
Managing Divorce Anxiety
1. First and foremost, prioritize self-care. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself physically by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and engaging in regular exercise.
2. Seek out a support system; you don’t have to go through this alone.
3. Create stress-management strategies that work for you. This may include mindfulness meditation, deep breathing, going for a walk, spending time in nature, or practicing yoga.
4. Keeping your focus in the present moment can help you feel less anxious. Engage your senses by taking in the sounds, sights, and smells of your surroundings.t ease and in control.
5. Setting boundaries is essential during a divorce. Communication with your ex-partner can often involve conflict and difficult conversations.
6. Developing a plan for the divorce process. Working with a divorce coach can help you set goals, identify priorities, and create a timeline for your divorce.
7. Lastly, stay positive. Focus on the positive aspects of your life and seek out opportunities for personal growth and development.

https://bridgeyourdivorce.com/blog/

How to protect your privacy during a divorce.

Protect Your Privacy During A Divorce The bridging Coach discusses how to protect your privacy during a divorce. What you can do to protect yourself?

10 ways to improve your mindset for Valentine's Day.

10 Tips for a Better Mindset on Valentine's Day The Bridging Coach discusses 10 Tips for a Better Mindset on Valentine's Day. Learn ways to love yourself this Valentine's Day.

5 ways to ease divorce fatigue:

GET SUPPORT:
Although your family and friends are important, you should be aware that they may be overwhelmed by your divorce details, so surround yourself with professionals who have your best interests in mind. A certified divorce coach, certified divorce financial analyst, divorce mortgage specialist, attorney and/or mediator, and a therapist can all be part of your team.

SET YOUR DAILY SCHEDULE:
Reduce the complexity of your daily schedule and avoid overcommitting yourself. Only tasks that must be completed immediately should be prioritized. Say “no” more often, if you need to. This is a time in your life that you need to put yourself first.

MOVE YOUR BODY:
Exercise and stretching can help release tension and endorphins and make you feel better. Go for a walk, play with your dog, dance to music, try yoga, shovel the driveway, do household chores, go swimming, etc. Regular exercise will improve your attitude and increase your self-esteem.

SET AN EVENING CURFEW:
Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Refrain from engaging in divorce-related activities after a certain time each night. It doesn’t help to think about your divorce after 9 o’clock at night. Setting a divorce curfew can make you feel happier and sleep better.

CHECK YOUR PERSPECTIVE:
Starting a gratitude journal and recognizing the positive aspects of your life is an excellent idea right now. It’s easy to concentrate on what’s wrong, but taking the time to notice and value the little things can do a lot to enhance mental health.

Start with a Certified Divorce Coach to support you though the divorce experience. They will help you prioritize, step you through the process, hold you accountable, connect you to appropriate professionals, encourage you along the way, keep you on track and minimize your overall cost.

Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash
Bridget Leschinsky is a CDC Certified Divorce Coach®

Managing a strained relationship is not limited to troubled marriages. During the holidays, most people must deal with at least one person who can be difficult to be around and cause tension. A strained relationship could be with a family member, friend, neighbor, or coworker.

So, how can you keep your holiday spirit alive while dealing with difficult relationships? Here are some suggestions to help you keep your joy.

https://bridgeyourdivorce.com/difficult-relationships-over-the-holidays-2/

Photo by Ann Danilina on Unsplash
Bridget Leschinsky is a CDC Certified Divorce Coach®

Are you ready? It can be exciting to connect with someone who piques your interest; it can feel like a nice diversion from the upheaval of the divorce. You may be feeling lonely and stressed out. Divorce and dating can be complicated. Here are 7 divorce and dating considerations:

1. Wait until the divorce is final to start dating openly.
2. It is important to have moved through the grieving process of the marriage ending and take the time needed to feel confident in your new identity.
3. Make a plan on how to move forward, honoring your core values and boundaries.
4. Waiting until the children are ready to meet a new partner increases the likelihood that the new relationship will succeed.
5. Work to resolve issues so that unhealthy patterns are not repeated. Commit to changing any negative relationship patterns from the past.
6. Be prepared for your co-parent to have a difficult time with the new love interest.
7. Don’t forget about family time.

Take your time, be considerate of the children and the co-parent, and have fun!

You can read the full article at:
https://bridgeyourdivorce.com/7-divorce-and-dating-considerations/

Photo by Crook & Marker on Unsplash

The uncertainty of divorce can have an impact on your children. They have no say in whether their parents separate, relocate, or how much time they spend with each parent. It's crucial to give your kids some choices during this uncertain time, including what color to paint their rooms, how to decorate them, what bedding to buy, what to wear on particular days, what to cook for dinner, what game to play, or whether to go to the park. Give them the flexibility to make certain decisions in their life to help them feel better about themselves.

www.bridgeyourdivorce.com

Do you know someone currently going through a divorce? Here is an article to share with them.

Is it Better to Divorce Before or After the Holidays? - The Bridging Coach The bridging Coach discusses if you should divorce before or after the holidays. What are the benefits and what you should consider?