106: Babies, Divorce, and the First Four Years: What Every Parent Needs to Know — with Dr. Jenn McIntosh

Babies cannot tell us what separation feels like, but their behavior can show when change is hard. We are joined by Professor Jennifer McIntosh to consider what infants and toddlers need when parents separate. We learn that attachment is a child’s reliance on caregivers for comfort and security, and that babies can form bonds with both parents. 

Rather than treat overnights or equal time as universal answers, we consider safety, existing relationships, parental cooperation, and developmental stage when shaping parenting plans. We look at research suggesting frequent moves may pose challenges for children under two, while avoiding rigid rules or gender-based claims. 

The episode ends with ways to assess arrangements and recognize signs of stress so the process can be as easy as possible for younger kids.

In this episode, you will hear:

  • Infant development and the first four years
  • Attachment as a child’s bond of trust and reliance
  • Safety and existing relationships as guides for parenting plans
  • Research on overnights and the risks of rigid rules
  • Signs of stress in sleep, eating, and soothing
  • Reducing parental conflict and supporting calm transitions
  • Building safety, security, repair, and joy for young children

Resources from this Episode

This is Professor Jenn McIntosh’s parenting education program for parents and practitioners focused on building secure, trusting relationships between parents and young children. The program includes a 35-minute educational video divided into four chapters, a six-minute animated film narrated from a child’s perspective, real-life parenting examples, and downloadable parenting resources.

https://www.mertil.com.au/

https://www.mertil.com.au/parents-process/

https://www.mertil.com.au/mertil-for-practitioners/

Children Beyond Dispute: https://childrenbeyonddispute.com/

Publications by Dr. Jenn McIntosh: https://childrenbeyonddispute.com/publications/

Young Children in Divorce and Separation – a 60-minute online parent education program for separated parents with very young children: https://childrenbeyonddispute.com/parentsycids/

Charting Overnight Decisions for Infants and Toddlers (CODIT): https://childrenbeyonddispute.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/CODIT-A4.pdf

MERTIL for Families – a free 6-minute video about trust, through the eyes of a very young child: https://www.latrobe.edu.au/research/centres/health/bouverie/families-and-communities/mertil-for-my-family

www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com

Get Your Free Guide – Discover How Colorado Families Are Saving Thousands in Legal Fees While Protecting Their Children’s Emotional Well-Being During Divorce: https://go.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com/divorce-mediation 

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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The post 106: Babies, Divorce, and the First Four Years: What Every Parent Needs to Know — with Dr. Jenn McIntosh appeared first on Children First Family Law PC.



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