Episode
4: "Open Communication" = Your Ex Can Harass You 24/7
- Podcast
- The Ugly Truth of Divorce
- Published
- Feb 17, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1202
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://audioboom.com/posts/8861315
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Summary
"Open communication." "All matters involving the child." "No restrictions on frequency or method." Sounds cooperative, right? Like you're being a good co-parent? Bullshit. In this episode, I'm breaking down how vague communication clauses turn you into your ex's secretary, and your high-conflict ex knows exactly what they're doing. They're training you like a dog. Text. Respond. Text. Respond. Call during your parenting time. Answer. Call during your date night. Answer. Because if you don't? You're a "bad co-parent." And that threat—"I'm taking you back to court"—keeps you answering. Even when it's the 16th message today. Even when you're at work. Even when the kids are with THEM and you're trying to have a fucking life. The clauses that wreck your life: "Open communication regarding all matters" (lost tooth? Bad dream? Scraped knee? Now you're reporting everything) "Communicate directly about issues concerning the child" (what's an "issue"? Everything becomes one) "No restrictions on frequency or method" (they can call, text, FaceTime, stop by—whenever they want) Your time with your kids is sacred. Your ex doesn't get unlimited access to you just because you share children. Stop being their on-call secretary. The Parenting Plan Masterclass shows you how to set actual boundaries: define platforms (app only, no phone calls), set business hours, clarify what counts as an emergency, and build in response time limits—so "open communication" never means unlimited harassment. Set boundaries that stick: Parenting Plan Masterclass. Communication needs rules. Build them in. Here’s What You Can Actually Take Away: "Open communication" is a myth in high-conflict co-parenting — It assumes cooperation that doesn't exist. Without boundaries, it becomes unlimited access and constant…