In this conversation, Michelle sits down with clinical psychologist and co-parenting coach Dr. Karalynn Royster to unpack one of the most loaded questions parents of complex kids face:
What happens when the marriage isn’t working—but your child still needs both of you?

Dr. Karalynn shares:

💔 Why 80% of parents with complex kids report marriage strain. From therapy schedules to meltdowns to IEP battles, the emotional weight doesn’t just stay with the child—it ripples through the relationship. And sometimes, that weight becomes too much.

🎯 The three co-parenting models—and how to know which one is right for your family. Whether it’s collaborative co-parenting, parallel parenting, or nesting (where the kids stay and you rotate out), Dr. Karalynn explains how to choose based on your child’s emotional, medical, and behavioral needs.

🧠 What kids actually hear during a divorce. You might think they’re in the other room. They’re not. You might think they don’t notice the tension. They do. Dr. Karalynn explains how to repair after an argument and how to reassure your child in language they’ll understand.

📦 Why some moms stay longer—and why that’s okay. Whether it’s for insurance, routine, or to delay transition until a child is more independent, staying doesn’t mean failing. It means adapting. But she also explains how to move forward when you’re the only adult doing the work.

🛑 The trap of overcompensation. Guilt is a natural part of parenting through divorce—but loosening all the rules won’t make the pain go away. Dr. Karalynn gives practical scripts to stay grounded while still nurturing your child’s needs.

Quote to tape on the fridge:
“You may not control your co-parent—but you do control how you show up for your child. That relationship is the anchor they’ll carry through every transition.”

Whether you’re already divorced, just thinking about it, or doing everything in your power to hold the house together—this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and empowered.

👤 About Dr. Karalynn Royster
Dr. Karalynn Royster is a licensed clinical psychologist and co-parenting strategist who helps families navigate separation, divorce, and complex childhood needs with emotional maturity and evidence-based parenting. She brings deep experience working with neurodivergent and medically complex kids, and offers specialized support for moms who are carrying it all.

🔗 Connect with Dr. Karalynn Royster
• Instagram: @learnwithlittlehouse
• Facebook: Learn With Little House
• YouTube: Learn With Little House
• Pinterest: @drroysterpsyd
• Substack:

Listen to this episode and more at
https://wisdom4complexkids.com/complexkidssimplesolutions

🎧 Connect with Michelle:
Website: www.wisdom4complexkids.com
Instagram: @michellechoairy
Join the community: Wisdom 4 Complex Kids Facebook Group

💌 Have a question or want to share your story? Email Michelle at [email protected]

🧠 Want simple tools that actually work?
Download the free advocacy toolkit: wisdom4complexkids.com/the-ultimate-advocacy-toolkit-pdf