Bethenny Frankel Advises Against Turning Children Against Ex-Spouses

Bethenny Frankel has shared direct advice for parents navigating co-parenting after divorce, urging them not to alienate their children from their ex-spouse. In an Instagram video posted Sunday, Frankel cautioned against any attempts, whether active, proactive, or subtle, to turn children against their former partner.

"Do not try to turn your kids against your ex," Frankel stated in the video. She warned that such actions invariably have negative repercussions, asserting, "No matter how abusive, controlling, problematic your ex is, you will end up turning your kid against you."

Frankel stressed the long-term implications of such behavior, noting that the dynamics of a child's relationship with a parent can change significantly over time. "There are so many examples of this and it is a long road," she said. "Whatever is happening today with you and your kids is not the same thing that will be happening in years to come."

She advised parents to manage their personal feelings and conflicts privately, stating, "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." Frankel concluded by encouraging parents to "play the long game" and prioritize their children's well-being.

This advice comes weeks after Frankel provided an update on her co-parenting relationship with her ex-husband, Jason Hoppy. In an earlier appearance on the "Friends Keep Secrets" podcast, she described the past year as "strained" and "challenging."

Frankel, who finalized her divorce from Hoppy in 2021 after a lengthy legal battle, referred to the process as "traumatic" and likened it to "torture." She and Hoppy share a 16-year-old daughter, Bryn. Their divorce proceedings began after their split in 2012 and spanned nearly a decade.

Despite the difficulties in her relationship with Hoppy, Frankel expressed affection for her daughter, describing their relationship as a unique blend of mother-daughter and friendship. "I love her so much," she said, adding that they "connect" when they share moments of laughter and shared interests.

Frankel has previously stated that her daughter was instrumental in helping her endure the difficult divorce. She recalled experiencing significant stress, including hair loss, and expressed doubts about her own ability to survive the split, admitting, "I literally thought, 'I’ll never be happy again.'" She emphasized that her commitment to Bryn was her primary motivation to persevere.