Alright friends, grab your coffee, tea, or emotional support snack, because today we’re diving into the surprisingly fun world of mediation. Yes, you heard me. Fun. I said what I said.
When I first heard the word mediation, I pictured two exhausted adults sitting in a stuffy office, inhaling recycled air and passive-aggressively arguing about who gets the good Tupperware. But for us? Mediation was… therapeutic.
I know. I’m confused too.
Enter: The World’s Kindest Mediator
The gentleman we worked with was genuinely one of the kindest people I’ve ever met. The sort of person who could probably talk a grizzly bear out of stealing a picnic basket. He was thoughtful, patient, and had this magical way of keeping things calm even when we were, how do I put this gently? butting heads like two stubborn mountain goats on a cliff.
And believe me, when you’re talking about kids, schedules, and money, of course you’re going to disagree. Those topics are basically disagreement magnets.
The Unexpected Blessing
Now here’s where we got really lucky. Because of where I stood financially, I actually qualified for a free mediator. Yes, FREE.
The universe must’ve been in a good mood that week.
We had a handful of sessions, some together, some one-on-one. And shockingly? They were productive. It felt a little like therapy, but with more forms, more sighing, and fewer, “So tell me about your childhood.”
The whole process kept the focus exactly where it needed to be: on the kids.
Because mediation isn’t about you.
It’s not even about you and your ex.
It’s about you, your ex, and your kids, and how to make life work for everyone without ending up in a courtroom reenacting a dramatic Netflix series.
Lawyers, But Make It Minimal
Don’t get me wrong, we still needed lawyers. Kids + property = legal paperwork whether you like it or not. But thanks to mediation, the lawyers only handled the official stuff. No courtroom brawls. No fiery speeches. No gavels slamming dramatically.
The mediator helped us plan almost everything else; parenting schedules, expectations, communication boundaries, even “What happens if one of us wants a night out but can’t find a sitter?”
(Spoiler: You call the other parent before you call the babysitter. Revolutionary, I know.)
Shockingly… We Agreed on Stuff
Here’s the plot twist I didn’t see coming:
We agreed on more than I thought we would.
Considering we were, ya know, getting a divorce, I expected fireworks. But not the good kind, the kind that start forest fires. Instead, we found ourselves on the same page more often than not. It felt… respectful. Balanced. Equal.
And that mattered.
Neither of us walked out feeling steamrolled.
On Equality, Dads, and Mental Health
Now listen. I have to say something I feel strongly about.
I’ve seen a lot of situations where the man gets the short end of the stick during separation. Massive financial burdens, limited parenting time, emotional expectations that don’t match reality. I’ve watched men lose pieces of themselves in the process, and I’ve lost friends to mental health struggles along the way.
Men have feelings.
Men deserve compassion.
Men deserve respect as parents.
Equality matters. On both sides.
And mediation allowed us to see eye-to-eye rather than toe-to-toe. It gave us a level playing field—no “I’m better than you” energy, no winner or loser. Just two parents trying their best.
Does Mediation Work for Everyone?
Short answer: Nope.
If you can’t sit in a room with your ex without reenacting a WWE match, mediation might not be your vibe.
But if you can push through the awkwardness and have real conversations, mediation can be an absolute game changer. It gives both people a voice. It encourages healthy communication. And honestly? It can save a lot of money, a lot of stress, and a lot of emotional bruises.
So That’s Part Two of the Awkward Conversations Series
If you’ve got questions, thoughts, comments, or your own mediation stories, I’d love to hear them. This journey can feel lonely, but it doesn’t have to be.
Have an amazing week, and remember:
Two homes. One heart. Always.
Two Homes One Heart 