Are we really communicating our emotions, or just expressing them?

Men and women may experience and express emotions differently. As Jude explains, men often learn to bury their feelings, while women may be more inclined to express theirs openly.

And here’s the powerful realization: Neither mom nor dad may actually be communicating what’s really going on beneath the surface.

In this episode of Dishing on Divorce, hosts Deanna Coyle and Mandy Pullen Barr welcome Jude Sandvall, founder and host of The Divorced Dadvocate, for a thought-provoking conversation about divorce, fatherhood, emotional regulation, and the communication patterns that shape our relationships with our children.

Drawing on his experience navigating a high-conflict divorce and years of coaching fathers, Jude shares how the emotional habits we develop over our lives can shape our relationships, parenting decisions, and ability to navigate conflict.

Together, they explore:

• Why expressing emotions and communicating emotions are two very different things

• How generational patterns influence the way we handle emotions and conflict

• Why emotional regulation and self-awareness are essential during divorce

• How parents can navigate high-conflict situations while keeping their children’s needs at the center

• The importance of fathers remaining present and connected to their children

• Why decisions made early in divorce can impact family relationships for decades

• How coaching, community, and a strong support team can help parents move forward with greater clarity and confidence

Although Jude specializes in supporting fathers through divorce, the lessons in this conversation are universal.

One of the most meaningful takeaways is that we don’t have to continue the emotional patterns we inherited. Learning to recognize, regulate, and truly communicate our emotions can help us become better parents, build healthier relationships, and model important life skills for our children.

Divorce may change a family’s structure, but we still have the opportunity to shape the quality of the relationships within it.

Whether you’re a mom, dad, co-parent, or looking to strengthen your communication skills, this episode offers valuable insights on building healthier relationships for ourselves and the next generation.

Connect with Jude: https://thedivorcedadvocate.com/