{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Good Divorce® Show","title":"Bonus Parents, Big Feelings: Christina McGhee on Introducing New Partners with Intention","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/6255642c\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3155,"description":"In this episode of The Good Divorce, host Karen McNenny welcomes back internationally recognized divorce educator Christina McGhee, MSW — author of Parenting Apart, lead trainer and founder of the Co‑Parenting Specialist Certification Training Program, and Education & Training Director for the award‑winning documentary project Split. Drawing from more than 20 years of professional experience and over three decades as a bonus parent, Christina offers clear, compassionate guidance for one of the most emotionally charged transitions in post‑divorce life: introducing a new partner to your children.\nKaren and Christina explore why dating after divorce requires a different kind of pacing, why “just because you’re ready doesn’t mean your kids are,” and how premature introductions can create secondary grief, re‑traumatization, and long‑term attachment hesitancy. Christina explains how resilience is instilled, not innate, and why thoughtful timing protects children from repeated losses as adults move in and out of their lives. They also discuss the importance of giving your co‑parent a respectful heads‑up, avoiding secrecy, and ensuring kids aren’t put in the position of messenger, mediator, or emotional buffer.\nThe conversation moves into practical strategies for first meetings — kid‑friendly, low‑pressure, activity‑based encounters that allow children to approach and retreat at their own pace. Christina also addresses the complexities of blended dynamics, the myth of the Brady Bunch, and why generous interpretation (rather than suspicion or territoriality) helps stabilize the co‑parenting ecosystem. Throughout, she underscores the foundational truth: how you begin shapes where you end up, and thoughtful beginnings create healthier, more connected bonus‑family relationships.\nResources:\nChristina McGhee’s book: Parenting Apart\nSplit & Split Up Documentary Project: splitfilm.org\nCo‑Parenting Specialist Certification Training Program\nKaren’s book: The Good Divorce: How to...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/qRMYx_ASvhL9O9Dr6sojIwz-KNAWQmuY9p0EaKLyfVk/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS84MjQz/ZmYyYzM2NDk5NDk3/MWUzMGVlMzFmMTZj/M2ZiMS5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}