Parents who have gone through a divorce usually continue to raise their children together. Transitioning from a couple to a parenting team isn’t always easy, but it may be what’s best for the children.
Finding ways to make the situation work can help to reduce the stress for everyone. These tips are a good starting point for many co-parenting relationships, so it’s a good idea to review them and keep them in mind as you embark on this new journey.
Keep decisions focused on the children
Your and your ex’s decisions should be focused on your children. The kids’ best interests must be at the heart of the co-parenting relationship. Some co-parents opt to set rules that apply in both homes. These are often things like bedtime or screen time limits. By setting one set of main rules that apply in both homes, you can reduce the adjustments the children have to make when they transition from one parent to the other.
Communicate directly with your ex
You and your ex should always communicate directly. It’s never a good idea to try to relay messages through the children. There’s a chance that the children may relay the messages incorrectly, feel as though they’re being put in the middle of adult matters or be subjected to reactions they don’t deserve when they relay the message.
Don’t speak negatively of your ex
Your ex is still your child’s other parent. Don’t speak negatively of your ex in front of the children because the kids may internalize your statements. If you have complaints about your ex, take those to a trusted adult who you know won’t repeat them to anyone.
Your parenting plan is the cornerstone for everything related to the children. It should include your parenting time schedule and any terms that you and your ex must abide by with regard to your situation generally, and your children specifically. Working with a legal representative can help you to get this plan in order and help you to be sure everything that should be included has been accounted for.