Navigating Two Homes: Lessons from Mom’s House, Dad’s House by Isolina Ricci

For families navigating separation or divorce, Mom’s House, Dad’s House by Dr. Isolina Ricci has long served as a compassionate guide for building a stable co-parenting plan. At Edgar & Dow, we often recommend this book to clients as a practical and emotionally grounded resource—because creating two peaceful homes for your child is one of the most important things you can do during this transition.

Why This Book Still Matters

First published over 40 years ago, Mom’s House, Dad’s House continues to resonate with families today. It offers clear, nonjudgmental advice for parents dealing with custody arrangements, communication breakdowns, and the emotional rollercoaster of shared parenting. Dr. Ricci encourages cooperation over conflict and provides strategies for avoiding common traps like triangulation, loyalty binds, and gatekeeping.

The book doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges—but it also empowers parents to rise above the legal jargon and focus on what really matters: their children’s well-being.

What We See in Practice

At Edgar & Dow, we often represent parents who want to do the right thing—but are caught in patterns of mistrust, miscommunication, or old wounds. What we’ve found is that Mom’s House, Dad’s House helps shift the perspective from “my rights” to “our child’s needs.” It encourages parents to build a working co-parenting relationship even when the romantic relationship has ended.

Some key takeaways our clients find helpful:

• Your child has two homes—not one “real” home and one “visit.”

• Neutral, businesslike communication can lower tension and reduce litigation.

• Consistency, predictability, and emotional safety are more important than a perfect schedule.

Ready to Build a Better Parenting Plan?

Books like Mom’s House, Dad’s House can provide the mindset—but sometimes, you need more than advice. You need a legal strategy tailored to your family’s needs.

At Edgar & Dow, our team of experienced family law attorneys can help you:

• Develop or modify a parenting plan

• Navigate high-conflict custody disputes

• Address issues of gatekeeping or parental alienation

• Enforce or adjust existing orders

We combine legal expertise with a child-centered approach—because we believe the best outcomes come when families are supported both legally and emotionally.

📞 Let’s Talk About Your Next Step

Whether you’re just starting your co-parenting journey or facing ongoing custody challenges, we’re here to help. Schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys today. Let’s create a plan that works for you—and supports your child in both homes.

👉 Call (951) 684-6885 or visit edgarfamilylaw.com to get started.