The 7 Fatal Mistakes Divorced and Separated Parents Make: Strategies for Raising Healthy Children of Divorce and Conflict

Raising confident, emotionally healthy children after divorce or separation can be challenging—but it’s absolutely possible with the right tools and mindset.
The 7 Fatal Mistakes Divorced & Separated Parents Make: Strategies for Raising Healthy Children of Divorce and Conflict offers compassionate, practical guidance for parents who want to support their children through family change and build a cooperative, respectful co-parenting relationship.

Written by Shannon Rios, a therapist and child of divorce with more than two decades of experience supporting families, this essential resource provides over 30 exercises, insights, and strategies designed to help parents communicate effectively, reduce conflict, and create stability for their children.

Whether you’re divorced, separated, considering divorce, or never married, this book offers support to:

• Understand and avoid the seven most common mistakes co-parents make

• Strengthen your child’s emotional security during transitions

• Model healthy communication, boundaries, and empathy

• Foster connection, calm, and cooperation within your family

This book is written for parents who want to do their best during a difficult season—and who believe their children deserve love, peace, and stability above all else.

💬 Praise for The 7 Fatal Mistakes Divorced & Separated Parents Make

“This book is outstanding! I highly recommend it.”
— Judge Stephen A. Groome, District Judge, 11th Judicial District, State of Colorado

“As a mother of a 7-year-old going through a divorce, this book was a godsend! It helped me be the best mom I can be.”
— Katy, mother of a 7-year-old

“It should be on the bookshelf of every mediator, counselor, or attorney helping separated parents raise happier kids.”
— Dr. Shirley Thomas, Best-Selling Author of Two Happy Homes

“One of the best parenting-after-divorce books ever written. It should be required reading in all divorce classes.”
— David L. Levy, Esq., President, Children’s Rights Council

📚 Also by Shannon Rios

• Healthy Children of Divorce in 10 Simple Steps
• Little Bear and the Two Caves: Helping Children Understand Divorce and Separation
• In Love With Me: The 10 Steps to Self-Love and Relationship Success

Shannon Rios is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in children and families of divorce and conflict. She has taught the state mandated course "Coparenting and Divorce" to hundreds of parents in MN and CO. A child of divorce herself, Shannon shares many of her own stories and insights she experienced growing up in a family of conflict. Shannon's passion is empowering children and families to live the best lives possible.