Blog

Knowing When It’s Time to Call It Quits

By Riss Mediation / 02/05/2026

Let me say something right out of the gate. Only you can make this decision. Not your friends. Not family. Only you. Deciding to end a marriage is one of the most painful and complicated choices a person can face. Most couples don’t walk away suddenly; they arrive at this crossroads after years of trying,… Read More

Read More

Is Divorce Always Bad for the Kids?

By Riss Mediation / 02/10/2026

  For decades, many parents have carried a heavy fear: “If we divorce, we’ll damage our children.” It’s an understandable worry. Divorce is a major life transition, and children feel those shifts deeply. But the idea that divorce is always harmful to kids is a myth—one that often keeps families stuck in painful, high‑conflict situations… Read More

Read More

How to Tell Your Children You’re Separating

By Riss Mediation / 02/10/2026

Telling your children that you’re separating is one of the most emotional moments a parent can face. Whether your breakup is peaceful or high‑conflict, knowing how to tell kids about divorce or separation in an age‑appropriate way can ease anxiety, reduce confusion, and support healthy long‑term adjustment. This guide offers practical, developmentally informed strategies to… Read More

Read More

I’m Getting Divorced—Should I Get My Young Children Into Therapy?

By Riss Mediation / 02/17/2026

Divorce can feel overwhelming—for you and for your children. If you’re going through this transition, you may be wondering: “Should my young children see a therapist during or after the divorce?” This is one of the most common questions parents ask. The good news? You’re already on the right path simply by thinking about your… Read More

Read More

I’m Getting Divorced – Am I In Financial Trouble?

By Riss Mediation / 02/23/2026

Divorce brings emotional stress, logistical changes, and—often—serious financial questions. One of the most common is: “Am I in financial trouble because I’m getting divorced?” The honest answer: Not automatically. But divorce will reshape your financial life, and understanding that shift early is the key to stability and confidence. This guide breaks down the most important… Read More

Read More

When Should My Kids Meet My New Significant Other?

By Riss Mediation / 02/25/2026

Introducing your new significant other to your children is an important milestone—especially when you’re co‑parenting after separation or divorce. The timing and approach influence not only your child’s emotional well‑being but also your co‑parenting dynamic. While there is no perfect formula, there are evidence-informed guidelines that help families make this transition smoothly and respectfully. 1.… Read More

Read More

Getting Over the Anger You Feel Toward Your Ex

By Riss Mediation / 03/02/2026

Anger after a breakup is incredibly common — but it can also be incredibly draining. Whether the relationship ended suddenly, painfully, or in a way that still feels unresolved, lingering resentment creates emotional weight that follows you from day to day. If you’ve been searching for how to get over anger toward an ex, how… Read More

Read More

Getting Along With Your Co‑Parent’s New Significant Other

By Riss Mediation / 03/02/2026

Introduction: Why Your Co‑Parent’s New Partner Matters –  When your co‑parent introduces a new significant other, it can create unexpected stress and emotional challenges. But building a respectful relationship with this new partner is an important part of healthy co‑parenting and helps create consistency and stability for your child. This article explores practical strategies for… Read More

Read More

Should I Ask My Child Which Parent They Want to Live With?

By Riss Mediation / 03/09/2026

While it may seem compassionate to involve your child in the conversation, family therapists and child development experts generally agree: directly asking a child to choose between parents can cause emotional harm, confusion, and long-lasting stress. This article explains why that question can be damaging, what children should be asked instead, and how to incorporate… Read More

Read More

Should I Live Close to My Coparent?

By Riss Mediation / 03/11/2026

Deciding where to live after a separation or divorce is rarely simple. Between work schedules, housing costs, and personal preferences, choosing a location can feel overwhelming. But one factor many parents overlook—yet often benefits the entire family—is living close to your coparent. Proximity isn’t just about convenience; it can dramatically improve your coparenting relationship and… Read More

Read More

I Am Now a Single Parent. What Does That Mean?

By Riss Mediation / 03/17/2026

Becoming a single parent is a major shift, whether it follows divorce, separation, or an unexpected life change. Many parents in this situation wonder what single parenting really involves, how to adjust to a new family structure, and how to support their children through transitions. Understanding what this stage means can help you build stability,… Read More

Read More

Creating a Parenting Plan That Grows With Your Kids

By Riss Mediation / 03/19/2026

A parenting plan shouldn’t be a fixed document. As children grow, their emotional, social, and developmental needs evolve—often quickly. What works well for a toddler may not support a child in elementary school, and what serves a pre‑teen may feel restrictive to a teenager.  Creating a parenting plan that grows with your kids helps your… Read More

Read More

What Children Often Wish Parents Understood During Separation

By Riss Mediation / 03/25/2026

Separation is challenging for everyone involved, but children often experience it in ways they struggle to put into words. While adults are navigating decisions, logistics, and emotions, kids are quietly working through their own fears, questions, and hopes. Understanding what children commonly wish their parents knew can help families move through separation with greater empathy,… Read More

Read More

The Importance of Being Civil With Your Coparent

By Riss Mediation / 04/01/2026

Why Civility in Co‑Parenting Matters      Children Feel More Secure When Parents Cooperate       Children thrive when they sense stability between their parents. Civility—calm communication, respectful language, and predictable behavior—helps kids feel emotionally safe. They’re spared the pressure of choosing sides and can maintain strong, healthy relationships with both parents. Civility Reduces Parental… Read More

Read More

How Parents’ Divorce Affects Adult Children

By Riss Mediation / 04/07/2026

When parents divorce later in life, the assumption is often that their children—now adults—will be unaffected. After all, they’re grown, independent, and no longer living at home. Yet research and clinical experience consistently show that parents’ divorce has a deep emotional impact on adult children, even decades after childhood. For many grown children, a parents’… Read More

Read More

Why Winning in Divorce Isn’t the Goal

By Riss Mediation / 05/27/2026

When people begin the divorce process, they may think, “I just want to take everything from him,”  or “She is not going to get anything she wants.” But divorce isn’t a competition—and treating it like one often leads to outcomes that are more damaging than beneficial. In reality, the goal of divorce should not be… Read More

Read More

Should Coparents Support Each Other’s Child Discipline?

By Riss Mediation / 05/22/2026

Co-parenting after separation or divorce can be challenging, especially when it comes to discipline. Differences in parenting styles, emotional history, and communication gaps can easily lead to inconsistency. Yet one of the most powerful gifts co-parents can give their children is a united approach to boundaries and expectations. Supporting each other’s discipline doesn’t mean always… Read More

Read More

Can I Approve My Ex’s New Partner Before They Meet Our Kids?

By Riss Mediation / 05/14/2026

Navigating co-parenting after divorce or separation can be challenging—especially when a former partner begins a new relationship. A common concern many parents express is: “Can I Approve My Ex’s New Partner Before They Meet Our Kids?” While this feeling is completely understandable, it’s important to explore what this request really means, how it affects co-parenting… Read More

Read More

How Do I Tell My Spouse I Want a Divorce?

By Riss Mediation / 05/06/2026

Deciding to end a marriage is one of the most emotionally complex decisions a person can make. Even when you’re certain divorce is the right path, how you start the conversation can shape everything that follows—your emotional well‑being, your spouse’s response, and the tone of any future co‑parenting or negotiations. When considering how to tell… Read More

Read More

Should I Hire a Mediator or a Lawyer for My Divorce?

By Riss Mediation / 04/28/2026

If you are facing divorce, one of the most important decisions you will make is whether to work with a divorce mediator or a divorce lawyer. Many people automatically assume they need attorneys and court hearings, but divorce can be handled in more than one way. Understanding the difference between divorce mediation and traditional litigation… Read More

Read More

Should I Let My Child Bring Items That I Buy to the Other Parent’s Home?

By Riss Mediation / 04/21/2026

One of the most common—and emotionally charged—co‑parenting questions after separation or divorce is this: Should I let my child bring items I buy to the other parent’s home? Whether it’s clothing, school supplies, toys, electronics, or comfort items, disputes over children’s belongings can quickly escalate into conflict. While this issue may seem minor, it often… Read More

Read More

Should My Child Have a Birthday Party with Each Parent?

By Riss Mediation / 04/15/2026

When parents are separated or divorced, children’s birthdays often bring up complicated parenting questions. One of the most common is: Should my child have a birthday party with each parent? This is a frequent concern in co‑parenting and custody arrangements, and there is no one‑size‑fits‑all answer. The best decision depends on your child’s emotional needs,… Read More

Read More