Kim Kardashian has candidly opened up about the challenges of raising four children while co-parenting with her ex-husband, Ye, formerly Kanye West.

In an episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast on October 15, the founder of SKIMS shared with host Alex Cooper the complexities of maintaining a consistent parenting dynamic with the renowned music artist.

“I strive for a healthy relationship between the kids and their dad,” the 44-year-old expressed. “I encourage that constantly, but I’m also here to protect them when it’s necessary. It’s a process that comes in waves and phases, and it requires a lot of effort.”

The reality TV star disclosed that it has been “a couple of months” since she or the children have had any contact with Ye, who is now 48. Nonetheless, she remains open to fostering connections, ensuring the children have opportunities to visit their father wherever he may be.

Kim emphasized that although the children reside with her full-time, she permits them to travel globally to spend time with their father. Her transparency resonated widely, with many parents commenting on TikTok clips of the podcast episode, expressing their understanding and empathy for her situation.

“Co-parenting is truly a universal struggle. No matter the money, location, background, it can be SO tough!!” one user wrote in solidarity of Kim. And statistics back it up. Per new data from the U.S. Census, it shows the number of children living only with their mothers has doubled in the past 50 years.

So what does healthy co-parenting actually look like? Psychotherapist and The Co-Parenting Handbook author Karen Bonnell told USA TODAY that it requires emotional maturity, clear boundaries, and communication rooted in what’s best for the child.

It’s “no small task,” she said. “But children ultimately benefit when parents do the work.” The author and psychotherapist explained that co-parenting exists on a continuum and begins with a thoughtful plan, one that balances structure and flexibility. She added that part of emotional maturity is “… the capacity to grieve the loss of the intimate partnership, relinquishing dreams that surround being part of an original family and allow the future to be whole and healthy.”

Even when one parent refuses to cooperate, she believes progress is still possible. “Skillful co-parenting doesn’t actually need both parents to work together,” she said. “One parent can commit to healthy, skillful co-parenting regardless of their child’s other parent’s interest or willingness to participate.”

According to the expert, what matters most, consistency, showing warmth, listening, and creating healthy boundaries for the children involved. “It’s not a question of whether you’ll co-parent,” she said. “The question is how skillfully you will co-parent.”

Kim Kardashian and Ye share four children: North, Saint, Chicago, and Psalm West.

Photo Credit: Kim Kardashian Instagram