Parenting with a Toxic Partner: A Survival Guide

Parenting with a Toxic Partner: A Survival Guide by Spencer Westel is an essential resource for parents trapped in one of the most isolating situations imaginable—trying to raise healthy, happy children while navigating a relationship with a toxic, manipulative, or emotionally abusive partner. If you're constantly walking on eggshells, managing your partner's moods, or watching your children suffer from the chaos created by someone who should be your co-parent, this book offers the practical guidance and emotional support you desperately need. Unlike generic parenting books, this comprehensive guide addresses the unique challenges of parenting in a high-conflict household where one parent undermines, sabotages, or emotionally damages the family. Whether you're dealing with narcissistic abuse, gaslighting, manipulation, addiction, or simply a partner who refuses to parent responsibly, you'll find actionable strategies that work in real-world situations. What You'll Discover: How toxic dynamics affect children at every developmental stage and what you can do to minimize the damage Proven techniques for creating emotional safety and stability for your children despite household chaos Boundary-setting strategies that actually work with partners who don't respect limits Ways to parent effectively even when your partner actively sabotages your efforts How to recognize when staying becomes more dangerous than leaving Critical signs of genuine change versus manipulation tactics Healing pathways for both you and your children, whether you stay or leave Daily survival strategies for managing stress, protecting your mental health, and maintaining your sense of self Written with deep compassion and practical wisdom, this book acknowledges that leaving isn't always simple or immediately possible. It provides tools for creating pockets of health within dysfunction while helping you evaluate your options clearly. Spencer Westel draws on extensive experience working with families in crisis to deliver honest, judgment-free guidance. Whether you're planning your exit, committed to staying, or somewhere in between, this book meets you where you are and helps you protect what matters most—your children and yourself.