Don’t Trash Talk Your Co-Parent

They’re still your kid’s hero—even if they drive you nuts.

“The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice.”

– Peggy O’Mara

You don’t have to like your ex.

You don’t have to agree with them.

But you do have to respect them—at least in front of your kid.

Because when you trash talk your co-parent, you’re not just venting. You’re tearing down half of your child’s identity. That’s not parenting. That’s ego.

They’re still your kid’s mom. Or dad. Or both. And to your child, they’re a hero—even if they pack Doritos for breakfast.

So zip it.

Don’t roll your eyes. Don’t make snide comments. Don’t use sarcasm like it’s strategy.

Be better.

You’re not doing it for your ex. You’re doing it for your kid. You’re showing them how to be respectful—even when it’s hard. How to take the high road—even when it feels uphill both ways. How to love big—even when life didn’t go as planned.

Discipline is silence when anger wants a megaphone.

You don’t have to fake it. Just don’t weaponize your words. Save the venting for your friend, your group chat, or your therapist. Your kid isn’t your emotional support animal.

They just want to love both of you without guilt.

So let them.

That’s love.
That’s leadership.
That’s being a DimDad with his act together.