š„ What If Iām Really Angry at My Co-Parent? (And I Know I Need to Move On, But I Donāt Know Where to Start)
Jul 08, 2025
𤠓I know I need to let it go… but I can’t.”
If you’re feeling stuck in bitterness, resentment, or outright rage toward your co-parent—you’re not alone.
It’s a common, human response to hurt, betrayal, or the loss of what you thought your life or family would look like.
But here’s the hard truth:
Holding on to that anger is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.
And the one who ends up suffering most? Often—it’s you.
And if you're parenting, your kids feel it too.
So what do you do when you want to move forward, but the anger won’t let go?
š Step One: Connect the Dots
One of the surprising gifts of anger is that it can be a wake-up call.
It often signals that something deeper needs your attention—grief, loss, betrayal, fear, or even guilt.
When you take time to reflect instead of react, you create space to move toward real healing.
Ask yourself:
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What triggered this flare-up?
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What thoughts ran through my mind in that moment?
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Is this really about my co-parent—or is it touching something deeper?
This process helps interrupt toxic cycles of ruminating and reacting.
š§ Step Two: Step Back Before You Speak
When the anger hits, pause.
You may need to:
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Take a few deep breaths
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Go for a walk
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Call a trusted friend and vent in a safe space
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Hit the gym or channel that fire into cleaning your house top to bottom
The point isn’t to ignore the anger.
It’s to let the surge pass so you can respond intentionally—not impulsively.
š Step Three: Explore What’s Underneath
Once you’ve created some distance from the initial rush of emotion, reflect on the source.
Ask yourself:
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Do I feel powerless or out of control?
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Am I still holding on to something that feels unjust or unresolved?
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Is there part of this that I need to grieve—or release?
Often anger masks deeper wounds. When you name those wounds, healing begins.
š± Step Four: Make Room for Change
Anger loves to pretend it’s protecting us.
But the truth is—real strength comes from learning to work through it.
It won’t be a one-and-done moment.
There will be good days and setbacks.
Sometimes the anger may catch you off guard again.
When that happens, remind yourself:
You’re not failing. You’re feeling.
And that’s part of the process.
š¤ Step Five: Build Your Support System
You don’t have to do this alone.
Surround yourself with people who uplift and steady you—
friends, coaches, therapists, or a supportive co-parenting group.
Make time for the people and practices that help you feel grounded and whole.
Because you deserve peace.
And your child deserves a parent who is healing, not hurting.
š Final Thoughts
You’re not wrong for feeling angry.
You’re not broken.
You’re human.
But don’t let that anger take up permanent space in your heart.
Start small. Stay honest.
And remember—letting go of the bitterness isn’t about excusing your co-parent.
It’s about freeing yourself.
You’ve got this. And I’m right here with you.
š£ Need help finding your footing?
Join my Coaching Circle or Take The Coparent Communication Quiz
You don’t have to do this alone.
Cooperative Coparenting Is Possible!Ā
Get started today by downloading myĀ Coparent Communication Essentials.