When One Parent Posts Hurtful Things on Social Media: What You Can Do
May 13, 2025

Co-parenting is never easy, and it becomes even harder when one parent uses social media to post negative or hurtful things about the other. These posts can feel like personal attacks, and they can also create stress and confusion for your child, especially if they are old enough to see or hear about what's being said.


If you’re dealing with this kind of situation, here are some steps you can take to protect yourself, your child, and your peace of mind:

 

1. Don’t Engage Online

As tempting as it may be to defend yourself or respond publicly, avoid replying to the post. Engaging in a social media battle only adds fuel to the fire and can make things worse. It may also be used against you in court or mediation. Take the high road—even when it’s hard.

 

2. Document Everything

Take screenshots of every harmful post. Include the date and time when you saved it. This documentation may be helpful if you need to show a judge, mediator, or parenting coordinator what’s happening. Keep your own comments and posts respectful and neutral—you want to be seen as the reasonable parent.


3. Focus on Your Child

Try not to let social media drama distract you from what matters most—your child’s well-being. Children can be hurt by seeing their parents attack each other. Stay focused on creating a peaceful and stable environment for them, and don’t involve them in the conflict.

 

4. Use the Right Channels

If the social media behavior becomes harassment or crosses legal boundaries, consider talking to your attorney or asking the court to set communication or social media boundaries as part of your parenting plan. In some cases, the court may issue an order limiting what can be said publicly about the other parent.

If you’re working with a mediator or parenting coordinator, bring up the issue in your sessions. A neutral third party can help set guidelines and improve communication in a more productive setting.


5. Take Care of Yourself

Being attacked—especially online—can take a toll on your mental and emotional health. Talk to a counselor or therapist if you need support. Lean on trusted friends and family who know your character and can help remind you that you don’t need to defend yourself to strangers on the internet.


Final Thoughts

Social media shouldn’t be used as a weapon in co-parenting. But if you find yourself on the receiving end of online attacks, know that you are not alone—and you do have options. Keep your focus on your child, stay calm, and seek help through the appropriate channels. The way you handle this situation can show your child what healthy boundaries and emotional maturity look like.

If you’re struggling with high-conflict co-parenting, mediation or parenting coordination may help. At Hope For Our Future, LLC, we’re here to support families in finding peaceful, child-centered solutions

This post was written by Chelle Hendershot, who is a dedicated Mediator, Guardian ad Litem, and Parenting Coordinator at Hope For Our Future, LLC, with a passion for helping individuals and families navigate through life's most challenging moments. This post is not intended to be legal advice and is for marketing purposes only.
 
Copyright © 2025 Hope For Our Future, LLC. All rights reserved. This blog post may be shared, copied, and distributed in its entirety for non-commercial purposes, provided that proper attribution is given, and no modifications are made to the original work.

photo credit: 85888318 Social Media  Marcel De Grijs Dreamstime.com

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8 Strategies for Effective Communication with a Guardian ad Litem in Indiana

March 21, 2025
When a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) is appointed in an Indiana family law case, their primary role is to represent the best interests of the child. Communicating effectively with the GAL can help ensure they have the information needed to make informed recommendations to the court. Here are eight strategies to facilitate positive and productive communication with a GAL. 1. Understand the GAL’s Role A GAL is a neutral party assigned to investigate and advocate for the child's best interests. They do not represent either parent and do not make final legal decisions. Understanding their responsibilities will help you engage with them appropriately. 2. Be Honest and Transparent Honesty is crucial when communicating with a GAL. Provide truthful and complete information about your situation, parenting abilities, and any concerns regarding the child’s well-being. Misrepresenting facts can damage credibility and impact the case. 3. Keep the Focus on Your Child When speaking with a GAL, always center discussions on your child’s needs and best interests. Avoid negative comments about the other parent and instead highlight how your parenting supports your child’s emotional and physical well-being. 4. Respond Promptly to Requests A GAL may request documents, records, or interviews to assess the family situation. Timely responses demonstrate cooperation and a willingness to facilitate the investigation process. 5. Provide Organized and Relevant Information If submitting documentation or evidence, ensure it is well-organized and directly relevant to your case. This might include school records, medical reports, or a parenting schedule that supports your claims. 6. Maintain Professional and Respectful Communication Whether meeting in person, speaking over the phone, or sending emails, always be respectful and professional in your tone. Avoid emotional outbursts or confrontational language, as a GAL’s impression of your behavior can influence their recommendations. 7. Follow Court Orders and Parenting Plans Adhering to court-ordered parenting plans and demonstrating responsible co-parenting will reflect positively in a GAL’s assessment. If you encounter issues with compliance, communicate these concerns calmly and factually. 8. Ask Questions When Necessary If you are unsure about any aspect of the GAL’s role or investigation, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Understanding the process will help you engage more effectively and reduce unnecessary stress. By following these strategies, you can build a cooperative relationship with the Guardian ad Litem and help them make well-informed recommendations that serve your child’s best interests. Effective communication and a child-centered approach will contribute to a fair and positive outcome in your case. This post was written by Chelle Hendershot, who is a dedicated Mediator and Parenting Coordinator at Hope For Our Future, LLC, with a passion for helping individuals and families navigate through life's most challenging moments. This post is not intended to be legal advice and is for marketing purposes only. Copyright © 2025 Hope For Our Future, LLC. All rights reserved. This blog post may be shared, copied, and distributed in its entirety for non-commercial purposes, provided that proper attribution is given, and no modifications are made to the original work.