077: “Affirmative” Coparenting – Yes it’s Possible! – with expert Allen Levy

Allen Levy, master’s level psychologist and shared parenting educator, returns to the Children First Family Law Podcast for a conversation that goes well beyond the courtroom. Krista picks up where their last episode left off — exploring what it really takes for co-parents to function as professional colleagues, even when the relationship that brought them together has ended.

Al introduces his Affirmative Arts framework: a practical philosophy built around affirmative communication, emotional self-management, and the discipline of focusing on what you will do rather than what you can’t, won’t, or don’t. The conversation covers dangerous words that quietly ignite conflict — including “should have,” “why,” and even “best interest” — and how small shifts in language can change everything.

Al also shares details on his upcoming shared parenting curriculum, designed to give parents, attorneys, and mental health professionals a concrete, affordable tool for doing the job of co-parenting right.

In this episode, you will hear:

  • The “job share” model of co-parenting and what it requires post-separation
  • Al’s Affirmative Arts framework: a practical philosophy for communication and agency
  • Dangerous words that trigger conflict, including “should have,” “why,” “try,” and “best interest”
  • The difference between output and outcome, and why focusing on what you control matters
  • Assertive communication as a boundary tool — stating what you will do, not what they should do
  • How the shared parenting curriculum helps attorneys manage high-conflict clients and build stronger cases
  • Al’s upcoming online course — self-paced and affordable for parents, attorneys, and mental health professionals

Resources from this Episode

Online course by Al Levy: https://defusedivorce.com/programs?program=1746038048335×737946041885731300

Affirmative Arts — https://affirmativearts.com/

www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com

All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation. 

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