Bethenny Frankel's tumultuous divorce from Jason Hoppy has been well-documented over the past decade. The Real Housewives of New York City alum, 55, shares daughter Bryn Hoppy, 16, with her ex-husband, 56. Despite the challenges they've faced as co-parents, Bethenny has chosen to focus on maintaining a healthy relationship with her daughter.
In a recent video shared on social media, Bethenny offered advice to parents navigating similar situations. "Do not try to turn your kids against your ex," she stated firmly. "No matter how active, proactive, subtle, no matter how abusive, controlling, problematic your ex is, you will end up turning your kid against you." She emphasized the importance of being mindful of the impact our actions can have on our children's perception of their other parent.
Bethenny went on to note that there are "so many" examples of this phenomenon, and that it's a "long road." Her own experiences have likely informed her perspective on the issue. Last month, she spoke candidly about the difficulties of co-parenting with Jason, calling their 10-year battle in court "traumatic."
"We do coexist on this Earth. We do both exist on this Earth, so that's positive," Bethenny said on an episode of the Friends Keep Secrets podcast. However, she acknowledged that their relationship has been strained at times. "It's been a challenging year," she admitted. "There were a lot of circumstances that have been, that are. torture, like, traumatic."
Despite these challenges, Bethenny is clear about the strength of her bond with her daughter. When asked about their parenting dynamic, she described it as a mix of quality time and transactional interactions. "When you parent, it's not like you parent, and it happens passively," she explained. "You take long drives, you hang out, you go to dinner. Parents are very transactional and, like, we have the meal, and then we drive; it has to flow."
She also discussed the importance of finding common ground with her daughter, even when they're not seeing eye-to-eye. "When we vibe, and we are watching something, and we're laughing, we connect, but sometimes we're on different paths," she noted. "We're very much like Thelma and Louise, we are like roommates in a way." This nuanced approach to co-parenting suggests that Bethenny is committed to prioritizing her daughter's needs and well-being above all else.
As her fans know, Bethenny rarely speaks publicly about her ex-husband or their divorce. Her decision to share her thoughts on co-parenting may be seen as a sign of growth and maturity. By choosing to focus on the positives aspects of her relationship with Jason, rather than dwelling on past conflicts, Bethenny is setting a powerful example for others who may be struggling with similar issues.
Ultimately, Bethenny's message is one of hope and resilience. As she navigates the complexities of co-parenting, she encourages others to prioritize what's best for their children. "Whatever is happening today with you and your kids is not the same thing that will be happening in years to come," she reminded viewers. "Play the long game, do what is best for them. It is hard to see when they're little, but the best thing for your children is to keep your thoughts, your anger, and your misery to yourself."
View Source →