Not all mediators are the same, so choosing the right one can make a big difference during family conflict.
Advocate, mediator and Fair Practice director Veerash Srikison explains what families should consider when choosing a mediator.

Read more here: https://zurl.co/7n0rX

#BabyYumYum #BYY #FamilySupport #CoParenting #DivorceSupport

Warmth in temperature and in our love

As excited as I felt, I also had an uneasy feeling that something would scupper our day ahead.

Last night I was restless while your things waited packed and ready by the door. I would need to be up by 7am to get the rail replacement on time. At least the weather forecast seemed to be nice – cloudy but warm. A picnic could be on the cards.

At 6:45 I was checking my phone to see if an overnight cancellation message from your mum had arrived and once I saw no updates I moved on to wish my friends a successful run at the Downham Half Marathon event.

The following weeks are extremely unsettling for me. The anniversary of when you were taken away is soon, memories of the same time from a couple of years ago show how your mum was scheming against me and preparing to betray you by trying to take me out of the picture.

A couple of years ago, Sundays were just another day. An opportunity to have a big day out or just a quiet one at home. There were no rules, now it’s our court-mandated day. Rain or shine I have to make the most of the precious little time we have to create happy memories and bond in a situation horribly created by your mum where it can go weeks without me seeing you.

Our Sunday

It was an early start so I had already prepared everything but still spent too long deciding if I should take things out of my day bag and reduce the weight. I’m obviously getting old as the weight of the buggy and your things tends to leave me with a backache for a few days after.

Once I had breakfast and got dressed I headed out to get the train to Elm Street station. I hate train works but at least I can still get to you. The messages saying the trains were still at City Square station made me a little nervous but with more time the train made it to the station and I could get on to Coleford, from there a bus and from there a half hour walk. 3 hours later I reached you at the handover point as the day’s warmth started taking over from the cold shadows.

Greeting you and your beautiful face

As your mum arrived and cycled onto the pavement I made big waving hand gestures. Sometimes you’re slow during the handover, understandably probably preferring to stay indoors in the warmth. Today though, you had a huge smile and waved back enthusiastically. My heart melted… it is exactly the kind of meet I dream of.

You rush to get out of the carrier and make conversation with me. Before you’ve had the chance to take your cycle helmet off, you sweetly say ‘daddy’s my friend’. I feel overwhelmed with such a beautiful moment.

It was an idyllic start to our day instantly giving me a boost better than coffee.

The rest of our morning

The day looked to be comfortable outside, although still chilly in the wind. Summer is almost here but it’s being a little shy.

On our way to the play park we spent a while around the memorial in the park blossoming with beautiful flowers too pretty for you not to focus your attention on! I helped you reach a few higher up ones, to pick petals and we spoke about how bees need the flowers, so we should try not to pick too many. You’re a proper little person, I’m delighted with our conversations, fully engaged chatting together like old friends. It really is beautiful.

Once you had fistfuls of flowers from across the memorial it was time to walk across to the play park, where with the longer court-mandated time, I knew you would be able to enjoy without rushing.

Lunch back at our old place

I wanted to get some bits and bobs for a picnic so we headed to M&S nearby earlier than our usual lunch time, oddly they didn’t seem to have the usual items so I made use of our visit by getting a croissant and fruits for the afternoon. You told me you wanted the croissant so I took that as you being particularly hungry, my gorgeous growing girl, so I gave you a third as an appetiser for a proper lunch. I thought the comfort food at the Japanese place would be good for filling your belly and helping you take a long nap, so we went there, just like when you were a baby and without the need for a high chair, or much encouragement to eat, I was able to simply give you the choice of noodles or rice then get a place and let you scoff away on your own.

To my surprise you handled the chopsticks really well, it’s super impressive and I guess a bit like the Asian kids that probably learn chopsticks instead of knives and forks! We had a lovely time, no stress, no rush and fully enjoyed our meal and time there before heading out.

As usual, you didn’t want to have a nap straight away, with our longer day this isn’t an issue so we went back to the park for more time in the warmth amongst the flowers and other children. Eventually you started to get a little cranky, bless you. So I was able to speak to you like an adult and remind you a nap would help you feel better and we could play later. Willingly you popped yourself in the buggy for a longer nap. I hope this summer we can settle in the shade and sleep cosy together, you will be perfectly safe in my protection.

Afternoon warmth

The rest of our day was just as lovely as the morning. You napped and we arrived back at The Cake Cafe that we went to last time but this visit we stayed for the babychino.

Afterwards, I made a base for us between the memorial flowers and play park with plenty of shade and a more discreet space for the portable potty.

We ran about filling the space with giggles. I had a packed bag of toys and activities and we made use of most of them! As groups of friends saw you with a smile bigger than the Cheshire Cat, they awwed and complimented how cute you are.

The approach of 5pm brought our idyllic time together to an end. I wanted to pick up something from the shopping centre so we popped in a few minutes before I would step outside and hand you back to your mum. While I was at the till paying, the colourful gift cards caught your attention and like a magpie you went and collected the ones you liked. I laughed and told you you’d need to put them back but you were adamant about keeping them all. This was a time for a little lesson, that we couldn’t keep everything from the shops we wanted. I suggested you put some back but again you were adamant. Ultimately these gift cards have no value without being loaded with credit so I decided not to be strict and potentially upset you seconds before handing you back to your mum.

More unpleasant handovers

As with pretty much every single handover, your mum darkened the mood by complaining that you shouldn’t have kept the gift cards. Your big smile and radiation of joy from our time together taken away with a pointless telling off.

I didn’t want to get more hostilities from your mum by spending too much time saying goodbye so I gave you a kiss on your most perfect little head and started making my way.

Our last moment was just as the day started. I made big waving and kissing gestures and told you I love you many many times.

I hate crossing the road at this point, not knowing how long it would be till my lips kiss your head next.

Missing you already

It doesn’t matter how perfect our day could go, the feeling of being separated will never feel ok. This year a lot has changed and will settle into a new flow for the years ahead.

I’ve only got a few more occasions where I will visit you in River Town to spend the day together under the allowance of the court. At the least, they will be warmer and hopefully just as great as this one gone by.

It’s sad to think that River Town will probably be a painful memory for the rest of my life. A representation of our separation and hurt.

At this point in the day I start my journey home, it’ll be another 3 hours till I’m home packing up your stuff and putting things away ready for our next time together. 3 hours of dragging the buggy across buses, trains, tube and finally home.

It’s been an exhausting day but perfect between 5 past 10 and 5 to 5. Our next time together will be this weekend unless your mum breaks us apart again. I can’t wait for us to have a bath together and I hope it will be warm enough to give you lots of opportunity to play with water on the balcony.

I love you so much it’s hard not squeezing you too tight every time I see you.

FINANCES DRAINED AMIDST SEEBOHM-GALLAGHER SEPARATION

How much are Emily Seebohm's legal fees after her split from Ryan Gallagher? Learn about the financial impact of their separation and co-parenting challenges.

#emilyseebohm, #ryangallagher, #celebritynews, #coparenting, #australianolympians

https://newsletter.tf/emily-seebohm-ryan-gallagher-legal-fees/

Olympic swimmer Emily Seebohm has revealed she is paying thousands of dollars in legal fees. This cost follows her separation from Ryan Gallagher, which is more expensive than many expected for a celebrity breakup.

#emilyseebohm, #ryangallagher, #celebritynews, #coparenting, #australianolympians
https://newsletter.tf/emily-seebohm-ryan-gallagher-legal-fees/

Davidson, Hewitt End Relationship Months After Child's Birth

Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt ended their relationship on May 14, 2026, five months after their daughter Scottie Rose was born. Find out why.

#PeteDavidson, #ElsieHewett, #CelebrityBreakup, #ScottieRose, #CoParenting

https://newsletter.tf/pete-davidson-elsie-hewitt-split-after-baby/

Pete Davidson and Elsie Hewitt have broken up. This comes just 5 months after their baby daughter, Scottie Rose, was born.

#PeteDavidson, #ElsieHewett, #CelebrityBreakup, #ScottieRose, #CoParenting
https://newsletter.tf/pete-davidson-elsie-hewitt-split-after-baby/

Unnuclear
A co-parenting podcast by Lou Keck and Shae Bolton-Brown - a step-mum and bio-mum raising two boys side by side...

Great Australian Pods Podcast Directory: https://www.greataustralianpods.com/unnuclear/

#AusPods #Podcasts #Podcasting #Australia #Kids #Family #Parenting #Families #CoParenting

Let’s Unpack This Mess Brooke Alexis Nicole Love

Hey everyone. Today is one of those rare, quiet days where I find myself sitting here, getting paid to essentially do nothing. Usually, my life is moving a mile a minute—balancing work, school, and being a mom—but when the world slows down like this, my mind tends to wander into the “vault.” You know the one: that collection of life stories that are so wild they sound like fiction, yet they are 100% my reality.

I’ve decided it’s time to put something out in the open. I’m doing this not out of anger, but out of a desire for absolute clarity and permanent peace. It’s been sitting on my heart, and honestly, at this stage in my life, I’ve realized that speaking the unvarnished truth with grace is the only way to truly close a chapter.

The Illusion of a Guardian Angel: How We Met

Years ago, I met a girl—let’s call her Brooke Alexis Nicole Love. Our meeting was like something out of a movie. I was at a bar for a modeling meeting that felt “off” from the start. A guy was buying me drink after drink while secretly sipping water, clearly trying to get me to a vulnerable place. Brooke walked in, clocked the situation immediately, and followed me to the restroom to warn me. She told me I wasn’t safe and offered me a way out.

I left with her, and the very next day, the news reported a tragedy involving a young woman just miles from where we had been. In my eyes, Brooke was a guardian angel. I felt a debt of gratitude that turned into five years of deep, albeit misguided, loyalty.

Signs of a One-Sided Friendship Built on Hidden Envy

For a long time, if we put our minds together, we were a dangerous combination. We were total opposites—she was the loud, socializing, outgoing party type who always needed to be seen, and I was the quiet homebody who rarely wanted to go anywhere. But I thought we balanced each other out. I was her “calm” to her “fireball.” I stood by her through every hardship—miscarriages, abortions, and personal struggles. I even advocated for her with my own military recruiter to help her get into the training she wanted when others said no. I dropped everything at a moment’s notice just to be there for her, giving her my last dollar and my full heart.

The harsh truth is, she used me for so many things—most notably, she used my connections and advocacy to achieve her ultimate dream of getting into the military and becoming a veteran, a status she always wanted but couldn’t secure on her own.

What I didn’t realize until it was entirely too late was that I was the only one actually being a friend. The entire time I was loyally looking out for her, she was busy tearing me down behind my back to everyone who knew me or her—her family, her friends, people I was in the military with, people I introduced her to, my ex-partners, even my own family members… I mean anyone who would listen. She never truly cared. She only pretended to be my friend so she could use me, all while harboring a dark, toxic envy. She was secretly jealous and entirely obsessed with me and my life. My own family saw right through her facade and warned me about her intentions, but I was too loyal to listen.

The Betrayal: When a Toxic Friend Crosses the Line

Life eventually took us in different directions, but we reconnected when I was at a very vulnerable point—married, with my son, and pregnant with my daughter. Despite my husband’s initial hesitation and my family’s past warnings, I opened my home to her when she needed a place to stay with no questions asked. I truly thought we were picking up where we left off.

She’s short, observant, and she kept locking eyes with me. She was cooking, cleaning, watching my son… I thought, Wow, what a great friend. However, the peace was an illusion. When neighbors started telling me that “voices” were coming from my home while I was at work, and that my husband and my “friend” were together behind my back, my world shattered. I chose the path of a mother—I didn’t want an altercation or a fight. I was protecting the life inside me. I had her legally removed from my home. On her way out, she took my EBT card and sold it. It was a sharp, painful ending to an investment of love that was completely one-sided all along.

The Continuing Cycle of Drama, Manipulation, and Online Harassment

Years passed. We didn’t speak. But my nature is to look for the good in people, and when I faced difficulties with my son’s father, I made the mistake of reaching out to her for help. Instead of being a bridge, she became a wedge. She entered a relationship with him, got pregnant by him, and to this day, she exerts a level of control over his life that is honestly baffling.

What’s even more concerning is the behavior that followed. I haven’t spoken to this woman since 2017 or 2018, yet she recently reached out with a casual “Hi.” Behind the scenes, however, she has been using burner accounts and fake aliases to post my photos, my son’s photos, and even private, sensitive content I’ve discussed in previous blogs.

The Psychology of an Obsessive, “Me Too” Personality

It’s fascinating, really, to watch someone become entirely addicted to the drama of hating you. Over the years, it’s become abundantly clear that she thrives on crying wolf. She loves to “rage-bait” people—intentionally poking, provoking, and harassing them from the shadows until they finally react. But it goes deeper than just poking; she actively loves to set people up. She will orchestrate entire scenarios designed to push someone over the edge, creating a trap so she can sit back and watch them fall into it. The moment they take the bait and react to her set-up, she loves running straight to the courthouse, weaponizing the legal system, and crying that she is the victim.

She has a deep, disturbing need to be in control of absolutely any and everything—especially people. If you are a guy, she particularly loves to manipulate you and the dynamic so that it completely favors her. She will have you convinced that she’s looking out for you, when the whole time she is only looking out for her own best interest. At her core, she is an extremely selfish, controlling individual who literally gains amusement through other people’s pain and suffering. She is the one who constantly instigates the drama. She manipulates everyone involved so the situation works for her, and then she posts it all online to look like a “tough” survivor or a victim. She desperately wants the public to put her on a pedestal and act like she is a hero, when the terrifying reality is that she has absolutely nothing to show for all these years of plotting.

She has absolutely no identity of her own, so she survives by taking a piece of everybody in her life. She is the ultimate “me too” kind of female—a desperate people-pleaser and attention-seeker who will shape-shift just to fit in, especially around crowds that don’t even genuinely like her. If you tell her you never want to get married, she will swear up and down that she doesn’t believe in marriage either. But the second you say you do want a husband and kids, she’s right there screaming, “Me too!”

She mirrors whoever is standing in front of her. If you get a Mercedes, she suddenly needs a Mercedes. If you move into a townhouse, she has to go live in one. She operates under this deeply unsettling delusion that her and everyone else are exactly the same—that they think alike, like the same things, have the same things, and are both the same relationship status.

This need to fabricate a life has escalated to an alarming, highly illegal extreme. She is currently claiming to be a medical doctor. Let’s state the facts clearly: she holds no medical credentials, possesses no medical license, and is not registered with any medical board in any state. It is a complete and utter fabrication born out of a desperate need to appear successful, because her own insecurity won’t let her build an authentic life of her own.

Setting Boundaries: A Direct Message Woman-to-Woman

Brooke, if you are reading this—and I know you are, because an obsession like yours doesn’t take days off—I want to speak to you woman-to-woman, with nothing but respect and a deep, genuine concern for your well-being.

It has been nearly a decade. I am not competing with you. I am not in a race with anyone but the woman I was yesterday. I am busy being a mother, a professional, and a student. It is exhausting to watch someone try to “win” a contest that doesn’t exist. Your deep-seated jealousy is screaming through every single chaotic post you make. You’re trying so hard to act like you’re better than me, showing off on social media for an audience of strangers just to get a fraction of the attention you are so desperately starved for. We both know it’s a façade to cover up how insecure you truly are, barely holding on while trying to compete with a woman who isn’t even looking in your direction.

Real Strength vs. Online Intimidation and Cyberbullying

To the world, you act tough and play the “fireball” online, but we both know that in person, you are always mute. You shrink. Let me make one thing abundantly clear: I am not afraid of you. Trying to look scary or intimidating behind a screen doesn’t work on me. It just looks like a desperate cry for the attention you clearly didn’t get enough of as a child. You use shock value—my private photos, my innocent child—because you know you have nothing else of substance to offer. Harboring this much hate, jealousy, and obsession for someone from your distant past is a heavy burden to carry. I truly, sincerely hope you seek the serious psychiatric help you need to find peace in your own mind, so you can finally stop obsessing over mine.

If you actually wanted to hash things out or talk like the adults we are, you have plenty of ways to reach me. You have my email. I know you have ways of finding my number. You can even ask my son’s father for my phone number—he will give it to you. There is no need for the public tantrums or the manipulative, calculated social media displays designed to get a reaction out of me.

Trying to use a gun to look “scary” or “cool” online doesn’t make you brave, Brooke, and it certainly doesn’t frighten me. It makes you look like someone who is desperately overcompensating for a complete lack of internal strength and character. Real strength is sitting down and having a conversation, not posing for photos to intimidate a woman you haven’t seen in eight years.

The Severe Legal Consequences of Cyberstalking and Harassment

While I am handling this with grace, I have to be clear about the lines being crossed. This isn’t just “mess”; it’s a documented series of legal liabilities that can follow you for a lifetime. Because you seem to have forgotten that the internet is forever, allow me to remind you of exactly what you are risking when you choose to harass me and then falsely cry victim:

 Medical Fraud & Impersonating a Physician (BPC § 2052 & 18 U.S.C. § 1001): Publicly claiming to be a medical doctor with no credentials, no license, and no state medical board registration is a direct violation of the Medical Practice Act. Furthermore, impersonating a physician—especially in any capacity involving the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or military benefits—constitutes federal fraud. The VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) aggressively prosecutes individuals who falsify medical credentials to manipulate veteran systems.

 Falsely Reporting a Crime (CPC § 148.5): Running to the police or the courthouse to cry wolf and make false reports of harassment when you are the instigator is a misdemeanor that carries jail time.

 Perjury (CPC § 118): If you lie on official court documents or declarations under oath while trying to secure a protective order under false pretenses, it is a felony offense punishable by up to four years in state prison.

 Harassment via Electronic Communication (CPC § 653m): Using electronic communication devices to make repeated, annoying, or threatening contact is a direct violation of California law.

 Stalking & Cyber-Harassment (CPC § 646.9): Repeatedly posting about me and my family to cause distress is a “wobbler” offense that can lead to up to three years in state prison.

 Federal Cyberstalking (18 U.S.C. § 2261A): Using interactive computer services to engage in a course of conduct that causes substantial emotional distress crosses into federal territory, bringing severe federal penalties.

 Nonconsensual Distribution of Private Images (CPC § 647(j)(4)): “Revenge porn” and the unauthorized sharing of private content carries significant jail time, fines, and permanent registration consequences.

 Felony Distribution of a Minor’s Likeness: Posting images of a minor without parental consent, especially in a harassing or defamatory context, is a massive legal risk that courts do not take lightly.

 Misappropriation of Likeness (Civil Code § 3344): Using my name, identity, or photographs without my consent to fuel your fake profiles or personal campaigns opens you up to severe civil liability.

 Grand Theft of an Access Card (CPC § 484e): Let’s not forget the EBT card you stole and sold on your way out of my home. The fraudulent acquisition and use of government benefits is a felony that leaves a permanent paper trail.

 Brandishing/Intimidation (Penal Code § 417): Using a firearm in a threatening or intimidating manner, even digitally, carries mandatory jail time and can permanently strip away your Second Amendment right to own that weapon.

 Military Repercussions (UCMJ Articles 107, 120c, 134): For someone who fought so hard to get into the military, a documented pattern of cyberbullying, theft, making false official statements (Article 107), and criminal harassment is grounds for an immediate loss of security clearance, court-martial, and a less-than-honorable administrative separation.

Choosing Peace and Moving Forward from Toxic Relationships

I have let the past go. I have moved on to a life filled with purpose, stability, and love. If you and my son’s father have built a bond over a mutual dislike for me, then I hope that bond brings you whatever comfort you are looking for. But please, focus on your own family. Focus on your own growth.

I am choosing to remain calm, graceful, and kind, but I am also choosing to be unyielding. My peace is not up for negotiation. I hope you find the strength to heal from the toxic hate you’re holding inside and finally move forward. The real, “adult” world is much more fulfilling than the delusional one you are currently fabricating online.

Be well, and please—keep my children and my name off your page.

— Tina

Co-parenting with a difficult ex is one of the hardest.
https://wp.me/p84YjG-ayA
#divorce #marriage #exwife #ex #zsoltzsemba #coparenting

https://zsoltzsemba.com/how-to-co-parent-with-a-difficult-ex/