INTRODUCTION 1 About This Book 3 Foolish Assumptions 4 Language Used in This Book 4 Icons Used in This Book 5 How This Book Is Organized 5 Part 1: Building the Foundation 6 Part 2: Making Co-Parenting Work Day to Day 6 Part 3: Finding Balance 6 Part 4: Managing Special Occasions and Child-Centered Milestones 6 Part 5: The Part of Tens 7 Beyond the Book 7 PART 1: BUILDING THE FOUNDATION 9 CHAPTER 1: Understanding What Co-Parenting Means 11 CHAPTER 2: Setting the Stage for Collaborative Co-Parenting 21 CHAPTER 3: Establishing Co-Parenting Goals and Designing a Collaborative Plan 35 CHAPTER 4: Communicating Effectively 55 PART 2: MAKING CO-PARENTING WORK DAY TO DAY 73 CHAPTER 5: Accepting the Back-and-Forth Lifestyle 75 CHAPTER 6: Dating After a Breakup 85 CHAPTER 7: Establishing Parenting Plans 107 CHAPTER 8: Child and Spousal Support 139 CHAPTER 9: Forming Your Co-Parenting Team 147 PART 3: FINDING BALANCE 171 CHAPTER 10: Making Both Homes Safe Places 173 CHAPTER 11: Helping Your Children Cope with Your Breakup 201 CHAPTER 12: Coping with Your Own Stress 217 PART 4: MANAGING SPECIAL OCCASIONS AND CHILD-CENTERED MILESTONES 237 CHAPTER 13: Enjoying Holidays and Child-Centered Milestones 239 CHAPTER 14: Making a New Commitment, and Planning the Festivities 261 CHAPTER 15: Supporting Children of Co-Parents When They Commit or Marry 285 PART 5: THE PART OF TENS 297 CHAPTER 16: Ten Rules of Good Ex Etiquette 299 CHAPTER 17: Ten Practical Resets 305 INDEX 309.