PHOTOS: Backgrid, GettyCelebrity
psychotherapist
Melinda Messenger
offers Katie adviceon successful
co-parenting in
a blended familyMelinda
says...
EVERY
WEEK!
EVERY
WEEK!
I
commend you for extending an olive
branch to your ex-husband and his wife- it’s not easy to try to reconcile two
families after years of animosity, but as
I’m sure you’re aware, it’s in the best interests
of your children.
When it comes to blended families, there are
many complications – it’s challenging, but to
have a relationship with the other parent and
their partner is ultimately healthy. However, to
do that you have to be willing to let go of the
frustrations and difficulties you have with your
ex and prioritise the kids. The only way to do
that is to change the rules and boundaries of
your relationship.
For some, a break-up means just that, a
clean break. But when there are children
involved, your ex is in your life for good and it’s
not always easy to stay amicable. After all,
more often than not, a relationship breaks
down because of issues between the
couple, and just because you’re
co-parenting, it doesn’t mean
old wounds can’t be opened
up. Having this person in your
life can stir up negative
emotions from the past, so
you need to be aware of what
the triggers are and learn to
put them to one side in order to
put your children first.
Peter, I’m sure, will have his own
wounds from the breakdown of your
marriage, and he will have had to come to
terms with that too. Now you need to draw
up boundaries for Emily’s sake. Yes, the kids
should always be your priority, but don’t be
alarmed to find Pete will make Emily one too.
He needs to make sure she’s comfortable with
his relationship with you. They will need to
agree on the way he communicates with you
to ensure, going forward, that everyone feels
secure and respected.
You had a huge love story with Peter – one
that was played out in public – and I know
you’ve since said that he was the love of
your life, even when he was married to Emily.
Don’t underestimate how difficult that may
have been for Emily to hear. I know there is
probably much sadness and loss there for
you, but it’s so vital for everyone’s
sake that Emily and Peter’s
relationship is honoured and
respected at all times.
Ultimately, children are so
perceptive – there could be
a lot of mixed feelings from
Princess and Junior about
these developments. There is
no doubt they’ll feel secure if a
friendly resolution is met, so try
to keep that good relationship with
Pete and Emily going and remember how
painful it is for children when one parent
attacks the other. They are half one parent
and half the other, don’t forget, so when one
half is berating the other, imagine the inner
conflict and pain that causes them.
That’s why reconciling with Pete and
Emily is so brilliant. As long as you are able
to put aside your difficulties with each
other for your children’s sake, the happier
everyone will be.what a great dad Pete’s always
been. She’s even thankful the
kids are in lockdown with him,
because they couldn’t be in safer
hands with Emily being a doctor.
Katie knows Emily will do
everything by the book.”
Last week, Katie sent a heartfelt
public message to the couple by
commenting on Pete’s Instagram
page, “Stay safe all of you.”
And we’ve been assured Kate’s
U-turn has come as a welcome
relief to Pete, 47, who, despite
their differences, only wants to
see his ex happy and healthy.
“Pete just want her to be OK,
so if this is a step she’s taking to
get back on track, then great.
Pete’s all for it,” another source
revealed. “Both he and Emily wish
her well for the children’s sakes.
They don’t want any drama.”
And, said our mole, the pair
can rest assured drama is the last
thing Katie wants.
“This virus situation has been
a huge wake-up call for Katie,”
our insider said. “Her family, her
children and true friends are her
everything. She’s ready to extend
some olive branches so she can
reconnect with loved ones with
positive energy only.”
Well, they do say never
underestimate the Pricey!
Karmel Doughty
Pete wants Katie
to be happy‘Remember
how painful it
is for children
when one
parent attacks
the other’