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The Unique Challenges (and Hidden Benefits) of Being a Single Parent on Chicago's North Shore
Melissa Kalil Melissa Kalil

The Unique Challenges (and Hidden Benefits) of Being a Single Parent on Chicago's North Shore

 Being a single parent is hard enough. Being a single parent on Chicago’s North Shore? That’s a whole other animal. Don’t get me wrong — this lakeside oasis is absolutely stunning, and those of us lucky enough to call it home know how fortunate we are. But if you're parenting solo here, you might feel like an outlier in a sea of nuclear families, luxury SUVs, and lakefront estates

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How To Protect Your Children in Divorce
Melissa Kalil Melissa Kalil

How To Protect Your Children in Divorce

We have all heard the dismal statistics, the fact that divorce has been identified as an adverse childhood event (ACE) and the emotional toll it takes on children. We also know that it’s not divorce itself, but how we divorce, that really dictates a child’s adjustment. Intense and prolonged conflict between parents – which, mind you, happens in two parent homes as well – is the real risk factor for adverse child outcomes. The good news is, with effective coparenting, your child has an excellent chance of being happy and well-adjusted.

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Snow and Ice Metaphors from a Chicago Divorce Coach
Divorce, Relationships, Marriage Melissa Kalil Divorce, Relationships, Marriage Melissa Kalil

Snow and Ice Metaphors from a Chicago Divorce Coach

Coaches speak in metaphor and living in Chicago as a divorce coach, I have gathered my fair share of snow and ice related metaphors. It is fascinating just how many ways they can be applied to help you through your divorce. In this post, I outline my top two and provide ways that they can help you understand feelings of overwhelm and anger during your divorce.

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